MinnPost launched on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, as an online nonprofit, nonpartisan news enterprise. Journalists from the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, City Pages (and other local print outlets) as well as radio and television reporters, came together to provide high-quality news and analysis for people who care about Minnesota.

During the past five years, MinnPost has become a national leader in the nonprofit regional journalism world. We’ve received numerous journalism awards, grown to about 20,000 visits a day and 900,000 page views a month, and have attracted 3,500 donors. In February 2012, we upgraded to a new content management system and redesigned the logo and the website.

We invite you to join us in celebration of all we’ve accomplished together.

Monday, Nov. 12, 5:30-8 pm
Brief program starts at 6:45
Solera, 9th & Hennepin, Minneapolis

• Complimentary hearty hors d’oeuvres, birthday cake, sangria
• Cash bar
• Silent auction
• Unique holiday gift bazaar
• Entertainment and special guests

Individual ticket prices
MinnPost members* & their guests $25 • Others $35
*Minimum donation level $10/month or $120/year in the last year

Click here to buy tickets by Wednesday, Nov. 7

Looking for unique holiday gifts?
Check out our SILENT AUCTION PREVIEW below

Items and descriptions are subject to change
Email lkramer [at] minnpost [dot] com with questions

 

 

PRIX FIXE SPECIAL EVENTS

1. Hat Trick at the Kramers
A cold night, a warm fire, and a lively interview of MinnPost journalist Eric Black – whose expert opinions on local and national politics make him among the most respected journalists in Minnesota. Joel and Laurie Kramer will host. Can Joel wear three hats – interviewer, bartender and host – at the same time? Includes drinks and a casual supper. Winter date TBD. 30 spots. $75 per person.

2. Wine and Food Pairing – Beyond the Basics
Enhance your wine and food pairing skills, sampling five different wines and a variety of foods in this intensive class taught by culinary expert Carla Blumberg in her St. Paul home. Carla owns the farm-to-table Duluth eatery At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Café and has studied at the Culinary Institute of America. Date TBD. 12 spots. $75 per person.

3. The World Up Close – with Nick Hayes
When it comes to all things international, there isn’t a more popular and engaging commentator in town than Nick Hayes: history professor and critical thinking chair at St. John’s; MinnPost journalist; frequent guest on PBS, NPR, MPR; Emmy Award-winner; writer and speaker. He’ll share current insights in an informal setting, enhanced by wine, cheese and nibbles. Susan and David Plimpton will host. Date TBD. 25 spots. $40 per person.

4. Arts and Bars
Join Andy Sturdevant and Ashleigh Swenson for a two-block walking tour of the eclectic 13th Avenue Arts District in NE Mpls. Enjoy historical commentary about art and architecture, the Ritz Theatre, and the 331 Club – which has the most beloved piece of art in the Cities! Debrief at a local bar (drinks on your own). Date TBD. 15 spots. $30 per person.

5. A Sneak Peek into Minnesota’s Attic!
A behind-the-scenes tour of the rarely seen, state-of-the-art collection storage areas at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. Our 90-minute tour includes archives room, library, artifact storage and conservation labs. Will be scheduled on a weekday (Tuesday through Friday) at 10 am or 2 pm, date and time TBD. Before or after the tour, visit ongoing and special exhibits. Or stop at Café Minnesota for tasty refreshments (on your own). 16 spots. $25 per person.

6. Legendary Homes of the Minneapolis Lakes
Get ready for the spring walking season by learning about iconic homes on the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. Gather at the Minneapolis lakeside home of a friend of MinnPost for light refreshments and an illustrated talk by architecture writer Bette Hammel. Includes photographs by Karen Melvin from Bette and Karen’s new book, Legendary Homes of the Minneapolis Lakes, just published by Minnesota Historical Society Press. Date TBD. 20 spots. $25 per person.

SEALED BID AUCTION – THIS ITEM ONLY

THE BOOK OF MORMON WITH LEE & TERRY
Desperately seeking great seats for The Book of Mormon at the Orpheum? Lee Lynch and Terry Saario invite two people to join them on Thursday, Feb. 7, for a full evening of entertainment. Includes pre-dinner Spanish wine tasting, dinner, the show, and dessert, coffee and Mormon cocktail special after the show. Seats are 10th row, center section. Dinner includes a bottle of 2003 Vega Sicilia Valbuena (Robert Parker rated 94 points). Extras: Two Book of Mormon baseball caps and two T-shirts.

Minimum bid for this package is $600. You can submit a sealed bid at the party until 7:10. If you can’t come to the party, you can bid on the “Book of Mormon” evening in advance. Send your secret bid to lkramer (at) minnpost (dot) com by Nov. 12 at 3 p.m. Each bid will be sealed. All bids will be unsealed at 7:10 on Nov. 12 and the highest bidder announced. May the most generous news junkie win!

HOLIDAY GIFT BAZAAR

1. SILKY SUSTAINABILITY
100% handmade hand-dyed Khmer silk scarves in vibrant colors are produced by Tabitha Foundation Cambodia, a nonprofit that helps people move towards self-sustainability. Hand-washable in warm water and beautifully roomy at 70 x 19¼ inches! Donors: Barbara Scoll and Reflections of Asia. Four scarves.

2. GET IN THE GAMES
With this basketball autographed by Kevin Love, or baseball autographed by Bert Blyleven. Donors: MN Timberwolves and MN Twins.

3. ARMFUL OF BOOKS
Six books by Minnesota writers and a MinnPost shoulder pack to carry them in. Two sets available.

4. START THE DAY RIGHT
Handcrafted MinnPost tote, two bistro mugs for news junkies, and a pound of Peace Coffee. What a beautiful morning. Three sets available.

5. HAVE BEER WILL TRAVEL
A six-pack of Summit fits perfectly in this handcrafted medium size MinnPost tote. Three sets available.

6. JUST ADD WINE
Dress up your holiday hostess gifts with handcrafted MinnPost wine totes. Five packages available, four assorted totes in each.

7. STOCKING STUFFERS
Four MinnPost grocery totes plus two $10 gift cards for the Eastside Food Co-op.

8. MINNPOST IN THE KITCHEN
Everything tastes great when you cook and serve with a MinnPost apron, hot pad, and pair of placemats. Two sets available.

9. PICNIC SET FOR NEWS JUNKIES
Take MinnPost on a picnic with a handcrafted tote, four funky placements and napkins. Slots for cutlery too. Four sets available.

10. WARM HANDS, WARM HEART
Unique collection of mittens hand-crafted by Pam Neary from recycled sweaters and lined with polar-tech. Very warm, washable in warm water. 13 pairs.

11. THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE BY BODYLINE
Gift certificates for five one-hour massages from Bodyline by Marnie See. Studio is located in the Kenwood area of Minneapolis. Use the certificates yourself, give as gifts, or combine for a day of seated chair massage at your office. Sessions are tailored to meet your needs with techniques ranging from relaxing, restorative, healing touch, myofascial release, sports injury treatment, deep tissue, pressure points, or Thai body work.

12. STYLISH VERSATILITY
Black nylon Kipling briefcase with beige stitching and reinforced zippers blends style, versatility and practicality. Donor: Gay Herzberg.

13. CRAFTS FROM THE HEART
Choose from two beautiful handcrafted hat & mittens sets (adult and kid-sized), or a cotton, linen, and fleece stroller blanket. Donors: Janice Gepner, Els Michlin.

14. WITH LOVE FROM THE LOFT
$60 gift certificate good for classes and other items.

TKTS BOOTH

THEATRE
1. Steppingstone Theatre
2. Illusion Theater
3. Old Log Theatre
4. Park Square Theatre
5. Triple Espresso
6. Reefer Madness The Musical
7. Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
8. Brave New Workshop
9. History Theatre
MUSIC
10. Minnesota Opera
11. Stephen Hough in Concert
12. Weilerstein & Barnatan in Concert
13. James Valenti in Concert
14. Jessye Norman in Concert
15. Yuletide Jazz and Soledad O’Brien
16. Jazz Stars “Sing the Truth”
17. Preservation Hall Jazz Band & Trey McIntyre
18. Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
19. Cantus
20. Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus
SPORTS
21. Timberwolves
22. Gopher Football
23. Gopher Basketball

HOME & GARDEN

1. CAPTURE YOUR EBBS & FLOWS
Visual artist Lynn Tucker Benson will create a 16 x 20 painting on museum canvas just for you. Lynn paints landscapes, weather and dwellings – and can capture any ebbs and flows in life that you find meaningful. Unframed.

2. CALDREA IN A BUCKET
Lighten your spirits with eco-friendly cleaning products.

3.  INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION
Just two hours with Julie Scharnhorst of Shecole.com will help you come up with creative ways to enhance your home environment. Julie is an award-winning full service residential interior designer who collaborates with clients to confidently create change in their homes. Use this certificate by November 11, 2013.

4. & 5.  NORTHERN LIGHTS – HOLLY & HIVE
Your home or garden will sparkle with a stained-glass panel by Sturgeon Lake artist Patrick Ring, whose work is displayed at Old School Arts Center in Sandstone MN. Donor: Becky Lourey. The artist says: “The subject matter for my stained glass comes from various sources, but most of my inspiration comes from nature. I’m especially interested in the interaction of man and nature that takes place in the garden. My stained glass panels will be displayed in the arbors and along the pathways and around the ponds in my own garden. Much of the pleasure of stained glass comes from the frequent shift in the mood and focus that comes with changes in the light. The season, time of day, and the weather all affect the window’s impact whether in the garden or house.”

6.  LEZA B’S WILL CLEAN YOUR HOUSE
Includes eight hours of cleaning. Successfully conducting business in the metro area since 1998, Leza B’s customized cleaning services can meet your specifications. Home must be in Minneapolis or in the western suburbs (within 60 miles of Minneapolis).

7. MINNPOST 5TH ANNIVERSARY POSTER
Full-color 5th anniversary poster – signed, matted and beautifully framed by FastFrame in Calhoun Village. Limited edition. Donors: FastFrame and Susan Plimpton.

8. BIBELOT
Perk up your environment with this $50 gift certificate.

9. CUSTOM FELTED PET PORTRAIT
Custom framed, needle-felted portrait of the animal(s) of your choice by fiber artist Christy Binoniemi of Forever Felting.

10. HOSTA
Framed photo by Peter Koeleman, former photo editor of the Star Tribune.

11. SWEET DREAMS
Unique handcrafted pillowcases for the room of your choice. Donor: Pam Neary.

12. BILL KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Images by news photographer Bill Kelley. Unframed.

13. LEGENDARY HOMES OF THE MPLS LAKES
Adorn your coffee table with this beautiful new book by architecture writer Bette Hammel, with photographs by Karen Melvin.

EAT DRINK & BE MERRY

1. FIVE FOR SIX AT SEVEN
A fabulous five-course wine-tasting dinner for six at SEVEN Steakhouse & Sushi. On the corner of 7th and Hennepin, right next to Pantages Theatre, SEVEN has hosted the pre-show receptions for MinnRoast 2010, 2011 and 2012. And we’ll be back there for MinnRoast 2013 on Friday, April 26.

2. FOODIE EMPIRE
Get a taste of Kim Bartmann’s world with three $30 gift cards for Barbette, Red Stag Supperclub & Pat’s Tap.

3. BLUE PLATE SPECIALS
$50 in gift cards for use at any crowd-pleasing Blue Plate eatery: The Lowry, Three Squares, Highland Edina and Longfellow Grills, Scusi or Groveland Tap. $50.

4. EAT AT JOE’S … GARAGE
Creative dining all year. Summer seating on the rooftop patio. $50 gift card.

5. ELI’S EAST
A cool new spot getting hot reviews. E. Hennepin near MinnPost World HQ. $50 gift card.

6. PEACE COFFEE BASKET
Delicious organic fairly traded beverages in a fair trade basket woven by members of a women’s cooperative in Bangladesh.

7. CHOCOLATE MAKES THE WORLD GO ‘ROUND
International goodies to keep a serious chocoholic happy. At least ’til Valentines Day.

8. MEET BOOM ISLAND BELGIAN
One of Minneapolis’ newest microbreweries. Boom Island Brewing exclusively produces Belgian-style beer. Four 750 ml bottles plus two 13 oz. lead-free crystal beer glasses.

9. CHEERY REDS
Six bottles of red wine selected by Byerly’s wine experts.

10. AND CRISPY WHITES
Six bottles of white wine selected by Byerly’s wine experts.

11. HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN
Gather some friends for an evening of serious beer tasting at the Muddy Pig, a cozy bistro in St. Paul.

12. THE HEART OF NORDEAST
$50 in gift cards for Elsie’s restaurant, bar and bowling.

13. 2 GINGERS FROM KIERAN
A bottle of 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey signed by Kieran and two 15 oz. glasses. Two sets.

14. BEST OF SUMMIT BREWING

OUT & ABOUT

1. A STAR IS BORN
Join the MinnRoast 2013 cast and enjoy a season of hilarious rehearsals. Unforgettable.

2. BLUEFIN BAY GETAWAY
Bluefin Bay is a premier Lake Superior resort where you’ll experience up close and personal the very best Minnesota’s North Shore has to offer. Upscale accommodations feature jacuzzis, pillow-top beds, and stunning views of Lake Superior or the ancient Sawtooth Mountains. Enjoy two nights in a one bedroom or equivalent. Valid during Quiet Time or in non-peak seasons.

3. SURFSIDE ON LAKE SUPERIOR
Surfside on Lake Superior offers refined accommodations, warm and friendly hospitality, and all of the creature comforts and amenities you can imagine, including Waves of Superior Spa — the North Shore’s only destination spa. Enjoy two nights in a Surfside master suite plus two spa appointments. Valid during Quiet Time or in non-peak seasons.

4. HOTEL MINNEAPOLIS + HELL’S KITCHEN
One night in an Autograph King. And a $25 gift card for a yummy breakfast.

5. MINNROAST 2013
Front row seats for two at the Pantages for MinnRoast 2013 on Friday, April 26, plus tickets for the pre-show reception. Spend the night in luxury around the corner at Graves 601 Hotel.

6. MN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Enjoy admission to over 20 sites and museums in MN, plus benefits nationwide. One-year household membership for adults & kids/grandkids.

7. THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER – TOM EMMER
Republican Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer and his wife, Jacquie, will come to dinner at your home or favorite restaurant. You invite the other guests and provide food and drinks. Tom E. will share humorous and serious insights about politics in MN – past, present, future.

8. THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER – TOM HORNER
Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner and his wife, Libby, will come to dinner at your home or favorite restaurant. You invite the other guests and provide food and drinks. Tom H. will share humorous and serious insights about politics in MN – past, present, future.

9. FOODIES DINNER AT UNCLE AL’S
Two spots at a special MinnPost-theme dinner at the home of Al Sicherman, longtime Star Tribune food writer, MinnPost humorist-in-residence, and serious cook.

10. SUNDAY SUPPER WITH DON AND ARVONNE
Experience Minnesota’s premier political salon – maybe the most informed and informative ongoing conversation in the state. Join the Frasers and their ever-changing group of guests for drinks, soups, salads, desserts and lively chatter. Two separate packages, each for two people.

11. PASTA AND POLITICS
Join St. Paul Mayor Chris & Connie Coleman, Marcia Avner & Wy Spano for a delicious Italian dinner at the Avner/Spano home in St. Paul. Up to four people.