Renewing the Countryside's Summer Fundraiser 2026

Join us in celebrating 22 years of Renewing the Countryside! 

We'll be gathering on Thursday, June 25, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Dodge Nature Center. Enjoy local food & libations, great conversation, an update on our work around land access, farm to school, local foods advocacy, and more! There will be a silent auction with great local goods and amazing experiences.

Come celebrate with us and help us raise funds 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).**

Details for the Event

• 5:30: Doors Open

• 5:30 - 6:30: Enjoy food and drinks, visit demonstration tables, check out the silent auction, listen to music, explore the beautiful grounds, and reunite with old friends and meet new!
  • We'll have delicious Greek food from Gardens of Salonica
  • Music by our favorite acoustic duo, Mary DuShane and Nick Jordan
  • Many beverage options including a specialty cocktail, beer, wine, switchel and other n/a beverage options (from Far North Distillery, Lake Monster Brewing, Hobby Farmer Switchel, and others.
    
  • Printmaking station to make your own print from designs commissioned by MN artists
  • New this year will be stations where we'll demonstrate a "slake test," have interactive opportunities to try low cost farm equipment, and games that will test your knowledge.
  • The Veggie Race Track will be back, along with outdoor games for kids and adults alike.

• 6:30 Program: 
  • Welcome, Jan Joannides, Executive Director
    
  • Beginning Farmer Panel 
  • Farm to School & Wholesale Panel
  • The Opportunity Ahead, Bethany Paul, Board Chair

• 7:10: Resume mingling, auction bidding, demonstration tables

• 8:00: Silent Auction Closes

• 8:30: Event Ends

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: $50 (covers event expenses)
• Supporter: $75 ($25 of ticket price is tax deductible)
• Champion: $150 ($100 of ticket price is tax deductible)
• Buy a "Virtual" Table: $750 (includes admission for 7 guests--so invite your friends, organization, etc.--a drink voucher 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!

Can't Make the Event? You can still make a donation!

If you can't attend and/or want to make a 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.

Hybrid Silent Auction 

The silent auction will consist of roughly 15 in-person items and 10 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 events like: farm stays, a cheesemaking tour with tasting, a wood-fired pizza night

• Regional vacation packages: Duluth, Zumbro Valley, Madeline Island and more e

• Art from jewelry to ceramics and more

• And more!