God must have been looking out for Trinity Lutheran Church when it held its 10th Annual Tribute to Trinity at Ahavah Cottage in Elysian on Friday, April 12.
It was the perfect spring day to be social outside in the cottage’s patio area, enjoy a nice meal, and give back to the Trinity Lutheran School.
Kendra Hoehn, who has headed the planning for the event for the past ten years (skipping one year due to Covid), was especially excited about the 10th Anniversary. In the past nine years, Trinity has raised around $188,000 to go toward the school through this event. “We’ve received so much support from everyone in the past ten years,” she said. “I’m grateful to be a part of this community.”
She added that the goal for that evening was to surpass the $200,000 mark for funds raised by the event for the school, a goal that she felt they could achieve.
Brandon Johnson was the event’s master of ceremonies. Following a prayer by Pastor Kristian Bjornstad, everyone enjoyed their meal. Tri-Tip Steak was on the menu, along with accordion potatoes, bacon-wrapped green beans, rolls, salad with raspberry walnut vinaigrette, and cake pops for the dessert. Infinity Catering of Janesville provided the dinner.
The guests dressed for this year’s theme, a “Masquerade ball”. Many dressed up nicely in elegant gowns and fancy tuxedos. Of course, it wouldn’t be a masquerade ball without that signature mask around the eyes many attendants wore.
The event also featured a silent auction with items from local businesses and members of the Trinity
Lutheran Church. Two items featured near the entrance included a set of golf clubs and a hand-made wooden play barn crafted by Jim Mulcahey. Many especially appreciated his finer details, such as birds sitting on the fence near the cow pens. Other auction items included a homemade pie baked by Irene Mulcahey, Rum Cake by Lolli Pops of Elysian, a piggy bank stuffed by Trinity Lutheran School students, reserved parking at the church for a year, reserved pews at Christmas services, and many more. Other events throughout the evening included photo opportunities provided by “Steel the Moment Photography,” a wine game where participants could win one of two half cases of wine with $10 and a heads or tails bead game for a chance to win a wagon full of spirits (the adult beverage kind).
Outside of silent auction items, the event was sponsored by several businesses. Gold sponsors included Janesville State Bank, Borglum Roofing, Holmes Ag Supply, and two other anonymous donors.
Red-level sponsors were A.H. Hermel, Gidgets, Generations Childcare and Memory Care, and Lolli Pops Bakery and Cafe. Black-level sponsors were Airwave Solutions, Waseca Vet Clinic, Dennis Steffel Omtvedt, St. Clair Bank, Autumn Acres, and Exclusively Diamonds.
Many of the businesses that sponsored the event or provided other services featured those who were Trinity Lutheran alumni or had children who were current or past students at the school.
Tribute to Trinity has been a testament to the support the Trinity Lutheran Church community has always shown its school. “I’ve always been a proud member of this community,” Kendra Hoehn said. “We’re very thankful to everyone that’s donated or supported Trinity Lutheran Schools through this event so we can help the school do a great job of educating our children and teaching them about our faith.”
