Renewing the Countryside's Summer Fundraiser 2025

Join us in celebrating 21 years of Renewing the Countryside! 

We'll be gathering on Thursday, June 26, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Dodge Nature Center. Enjoy local food & librations, great conversation, an update on RTC initiatives and help raise funds to support our work around land access, conservation, local foods advocacy, and more! There will be a silent auction consisting of local goods and experiences (see a sneak peak below), games such as wine toss, croquet, and veggie racing to win bottles of local wine, gift cards to local co-ops/restaurants/stores, and the chance to press your own piece of art with designs commissioned from local artists!

Our goal is to raise $15,000. Come celebrate RTC and help us reach our fundraising goal to continue supporting just, vibrant, and sustainable communities!

**Please note that this event will be held at The Dodge Nature Center's Olivia Irvine Dodge Library and History Center. The address to access this location is 1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, 55118, not Dodge's main address (which comes up in Google Maps/Apple Maps).**

A bit more info:

Back by popular demand: Food from Gardens of Salonica (a long-time supporter of local farmers)

• A specialty cocktail & mocktail courtesy of Sweet Haven Tonics, along with local beer, wine, and other n/a beverage options
• Program stations where you can learn about our work and meet RTC staff
• Make your own piece of art with designs commissioned from local artists!
• The chance to reunite with old friends and meet new ones
  
• Please note that this event will be held at The Dodge Nature Center's Olivia Irvine Dodge Library and History Center. The address to access this location is 1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, 55118, not Dodge's main address (what comes up in Google Maps/Apple Maps). 

Ticket Tiers

We are again offering a tiered ticket option. If you are able/willing to purchase a ticket at the Supporter or Champion level, we invite you to do so!
*All tickets come with one drink voucher

• Welcome: $35 (covers event expenses)
• Supporter: $50 ($25 of ticket price is tax deductible)
• Champion: $100 ($75 of ticket price is tax deductible)
• Buy a "Virtual" Table: $800 (includes admission for 8 guests--so invite your friends, organization, etc.--a drink voucher for each guest, a free game ticket for each guest, and a mention at the event!) 

Children under 12 are free. If you are planning to bring children, please let us know!

Donation:

If you can't attend and/or want to make an additional donation, you can do that by going to this link. Your support ensures that Renewing the Countryside can continue its vital work of supporting farmers, local foods, and rural communities

Silent Auction

The silent auction will consist of roughly 20 in-person items and 5 online items: In-person bids only for in-person items. Online items will be open to all; both in-person attendees and virtual supporters. 

• On-farm fun like: farm stays, a cheesemaking tour with tasting, berry-picking excursions and a wood-fired pizza night

• A regional vacation package: exact destination to be announced!

• Flower CSA from Bleed Heart Floral Farm & Design 

• Cooking class for 10 at Mississippi Market with Chef Blong Vang

• Admission for four to the Minnesota Zoo

• Art from prints to ceramics and more!

• And so much more!