February 6, 2019
The Mayville State University Foundation’s first-ever Glitz & Glam Gala held Saturday evening, Feb. 2 took those who attended on an entertaining journey to New York, all for a good cause, to support Mayville State University and its students. With their generous financial contribution, Gate City Bank became the signature sponsor of the event. About 180 Mayville State University alumni and friends attended.
“We are grateful to all who attended, generously sponsored, and helped in any way with Glitz & Glam 2019,” said MSU Foundation Executive Director John Klocke. “The team effort of all of these folks means that Mayville State University and its students will benefit greatly. I couldn’t be more excited about how this event turned out.”
Student assistance with the event was fantastic. Students representing all Mayville State athletic teams, as well as those involved in Collegiate DECA, MSU Theatre, and others helped not only during the event, but also as preparations were made in advance.
The evening began with a social on the streets of New York City and will included a photo booth provided compliments of Jacobson Studio and Ron and Toni Jacobson, street food appetizers, entertainment of all kinds, including Jazz on Tap, and signature martinis served in commemorative glasses.
John Klocke served as master of ceremonies throughout the evening and welcomed guests to a New York-themed dinner by singing Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” A meal of prime rib was served by Bryan Karolus and MSU Dining Services, assisted by the MSU women’s softball team. Guests enjoyed cash door prizes, Park Avenue luxury bingo, and games of Brooklyn or Bronx. Mayville State University students Kaitlyn Kuntz, West Fargo, N.D., and Ryan Klath, Portland, N.D., told the audience of their Mayville State experiences, elaborating on the positive impact the u
A live auction featuring 14 fabulous prizes, including a trip for two to see a New York Broadway show with airfare and a three-night stay. Auction items were sponsored by local and regional businesses, organizations, and individuals. Pifer’s Auction & Realty donated their auctioneering and clerking services.
Because of the generous support of numerous sponsors, all costs of the event were underwritten. This means that all of the money raised during the event will be used to support Mayville State University and its students. While numbers are still being tabulated, an estimated $40,000 was raised. This amount will be distributed equally via the MSU Foundation, the MSU Alumni Association, and Comet Athletics.
Auction item sponsors were Advanced Business Methods; Altru Health System; Bell Bank Wealth Management; Bremer Bank; Brudvik Law Office; Eide Bailly; Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops; Northern Feed & Bean, Larry and Cathy Lande; Riddle’s Jewelry; and Steele Traill County Mutual Insurance Co. Individual auction item donors were Doug Anderson, Cavalier, N.D.; Jon and Betsy Ewen, Mayville, N.D.; Head Coach Tim Miles and Nebraska Cornhuskers Men’s Basketball; Dr. Merwin and Myrna Lyng, Mayville, N.D.; Shannon and Denise Bergstrom, Portland, N.D.; Brett and Laura Brudvik, Mayville, N.D.; and John Klocke, Fargo, N.D. Table sponsors were Altru Health System, Brudvik Law Office, Hardware Hank and Thrivent Financial; PHD Pros, and Sanford Health.
The afterglow of the adventure began around 8:30 p.m., when guests snacked on New York style pizza and learned that next year’s location for Glitz and Glam will be Las Vegas. During this time, DJ Lute Simley, West Fargo, N.D., donated his time and talents to provide musical and dancing enjoyment for all. To ensure that everyone would have a safe ride home, Jim and Stacie Morowski, Portland, N.D., offered complimentary ride service to guests as they were leaving.
Photo captions:
Top: Mayville State graduate Kellie Karlstad, Devils Lake, N.D. (left) won the bicycle built for two donated by Dr. Merwin (center) and Myrna (right) Lyng for the Glitz & Glam live auction. The bike has been a frequent participant in the Farmers Bowl and Mayville State homecoming parades.
Second: MSU junior Kaitlyn Kuntz (left) and freshman Ryan Klath, Portland, N.D. spoke to the Glitz & Glam audience about their Mayville State experiences.
Third: Numerous Mayville State athletes assisted in a variety of ways with the first-ever Glitz & Glam Gala. Members of the baseball team were decked out in their pinstriped uniforms as a tribute to the New York Yankees.
Fourth: Mayville State University President Dr. Brian Van Horn addressed the audience, thanking them for their amazing support for the university.
Bottom: MSU Theatre participants served as mimes during the pre-dinner social hour.