Share this pageJune K. Berg's Gifts to "BHCCI Annual Gala" - a Memorial
- Details
- Published on Friday, 20 February 2009 16:43
- Written by Stanton O. Berg
The Benedictine Health Care Center at Innsbruck presented their first “GALA”, 2008 an event what would later become an annual fund raiser for the purpose of raising funds for resident projects that would "enhance the resident's quality of life and well-being."
The first such event was scheduled and held on Friday May 9th, 2008 and described as "Dancing with the Stars Gala." This event was held at the North Air Banquet Hall on Highway 65 inFridley.
The event activities consisted of a Dinner accompanied by "Live Music performed by MSP Band - Performance by Arthur Murray Dancers, Special performances by John Derus - Live Auction - Portraits at the tables." Following the lead and pattern of this first event, the future events have all consisted of:
- Social Hour.
- Dinner.
- Entertainment.
- Music and Dancing
- Silent auction, live auction and raffle.
June K. Berg was a resident in the Alzheimer's Villa at the Benedictine Health Care Center at Innsbruck from March 24th 2006 until her death from complications of Alzheimer's on October 23rd, 2008. June waged a long weary and exhausting battle with Alzheimer's for almost 11 years before God finally took June home.
June’s participation has always been as a table sponsor of a table of eight (8) at each and every annual GALA affair. This permits June to select and designate the eight (8) individuals that are to sit at her sponsored table. June selections have always been those people that were prominent in June’s life while a resident at the Villa of the Benedictine Health care center. The persons selected have always been the one’s who provided her with the most care, comfort and love while a resident. It has been my honor as June’s representative, to make the yearly selections based on my previous observations during that period of time when June was a resident. I also prepare a special personal letter in June’s behalf with her picture that is placed at each table setting as a special thank you from June! This was not only a way for June to say thank you but also to demonstrate God’s Love.
Benedictine Gala Events Log
1. 2008 - 1st annual "Dancing with the Stars Gala" 2008 Friday 9 May 2008 at the North Air Banquet Hall, Highway 65, Fridley, MN
2. 2009 - 2d annual "Dancing with the Stars Gala" 2009. Friday 24 April 2009 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church Parish Center inNew Brighton,MN.
Note: The funds from the first two Gala events were used to purchase a bus to transport residents to various events and outings.
3. 2010 - 3rd annual "Dancing Under the Stars Gala” 2010. Friday 30 April 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Parish Center in New Brighton, MN
Note: The Chef was Van House from Murray's Steakhouse. The funds raised in 2010 were used for the "beautification and development of the outdoor living spaces, gardens, walking paths and benches."
4. 2011 - 4th annual "Dancing in Starlit Gardens" Gala 2011. Friday 29 April 2011 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Parish Center in New Brighton, MN.
Note: The funds raised will be used to benefit the Healing Gardens, creating and enhancing outdoor spaces and walking paths for all residents.
5. 2012 – 5th annual "Gardens of the World Gala” 2012. Friday 27 April 2012 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Parish Center in New Brighton, MN.
The invited Guests to June's sponsored table in 2012 were: LPN Diane Bergh, NA Sue Gono, Geno Ronallo, NA Meicy Zopi, Julie Berg, LPN Carolyn Tollefson, Pam Stenstrom and Tim Stenstrom. (See photo of group below.)
Note: Featured is a “Wall of Wine”. The funds raised in 2012 will be used to create and enhance the Healing Gardens and Walking Paths for the residents.
6. 2013 - 6th annual Benedictine Gala 2013. Friday 3 May 2013 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Dhurch, St. Joseph's Hall in New Brighton, MN.
The invited Guests to June's sponsored table in 2013 were: LPN Diane Bergh, NA Sue Gono, Geno Ronallo, NA Meicy Zopi, Julie Berg, LPN Carolyn Tollefson, Pam Stenstrom and Tim Stenstrom.
Note: The funds raised in 2013 will be used to "expand therapy and wellness services for those we serve on and off our campus."
---
Photo Notes
Below are the Benedictine Staff members that were seated at June's sponsored table at the 2nd 2009 Gala - all represent staff members important in June's care during her years at the Alzheimer's Villa at the Benedictine - this is June's thank you to the people that contributed to her "quality of life." Front row L-R: Edward Nyagechi - NA, Susan Gono - NA, Meicy Zopi - NA, Julie Berg - Oakview Activities Coordinator, Diane Bergh - LPN. Back Row L-R: Pam Stenstrom - Therapy, Tim Stenstrom (Pams husband) and Geno Ronallo Julie's friend.
Below the picture are the announcments for the first Gala in 2008 and the present current Gala in 2011 and 2012..
(Below is copy of the notice from the first 2008 "Dancing with the Stars Gala.")
(2011 Gala Announcement)
(Below photo - 2012 Gala Announcement)
(Below photo - Guests seated at June's sponsored table for GALA 2012)
(Below photo - Guests seated at June's sponsored table for GALA 2013)
---
Reader's Comments
Jacqueline Crowther - Manchester, United Kingdom - (3 May 2013): "Am sure they really appreciate this."
Lynda Etlicher - Rice Lake, Wisconsin - (3 May 2013): "I'm sure they will all appreciate the dinner etc. It a very nice way of showing appreciation."
