Under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights at the Gustavus Adolphus College Arboretum, local supporters gathered on a warm Friday evening on June 12 for “A Midsummer Soiree. An enchanting, themed fundraiser that successfully blended the whimsical charm of Bridgerton and the Renaissance with a deeply serious mission: combatting homelessness in the southern Minnesota region.
Now in its second year, the elegant garden party drew approximately 180 guests to raise awareness and vital funds for Connections Shelter, a low-barrier emergency shelter based in Mankato. Organizers set a goal of raising $30,000 from the evening to support their newly announced, historic transition to year-round operations.
Connections Shelter began in 2017 as a grass-roots coalition of downtown Mankato churches seeking to coordinate resources for the vulnerable. Led by Reverends Collette Broady Grund and Erica Koser, partnerships with eight local congregations launched a rotating seasonal shelter on October 31, 2017, serving 125 individuals and families in their first season.
By 2021, the shelter secured a permanent home at First Presbyterian Church, expanding from its original 25 beds to a 48-bed capacity. Operating under a “Shelter First” philosophy, Connections is a low-barrier shelter, meaning they do not require sobriety or identification for entry.
In 2022, a partnership with Blue Earth County allowed Connections to open a Drop-In Center at 800 S. Front Street in downtown Mankato. The center serves as the nonprofit’s executive offices and a daytime resource hub, providing essential hygiene supplies, frozen meals, water, clothing, and bus tokens to those facing instability.
The Arboretum grounds—known locally for its impressive greenery—were entirely transformed into a realm of elegance and refinement. Attendees embraced the theme wholeheartedly, donning elegant gowns, dapper suits, flower crowns, and ornate Renaissance-style masks. Guests strolled through the gardens enjoying a gourmet spread of finger foods—including kabobs, spinach and artichoke dip, fresh fruits, and tiny dessert bites—alongside signature cocktails and colorful spritzers.
But beneath the magic and playfulness of the evening lay an intentional effort to educate. Instead of a typical fundraiser, the event featured interactive elements designed to shed light on the realities of housing instability:
- The Fairy Hunt: A themed scavenger hunt where guests searched for clues while learning crucial facts about homelessness in America—such as the reality that a single emergency room visit can cost taxpayers as much as a full month of emergency shelter. Participants who completed the hunt were entered to win a stunning pair of diamond earrings donated by Carol Brady Jewelry.
- Wishing Wells: Interactive donation stations where guests could cast their wishes for the community, with donation amounts directly tied to real-world shelter needs.
- The Fairy Wall: A visual display where attendees could “purchase” items to symbolically “shelter” fairies in need.
- Silent Auction: Featuring over 50 donated items, ranging from beautiful antique Japanese and African artwork donated by the Carnegie Art Center to Mankato Moondogs swag, Lego flower bouquets, and a Zuru foam dart gun.
The emotional high point of the evening came during remarks by Connections Shelter’s leadership. Liz Paul, Director of Development, welcomed the crowd to what she promised would be an “enchanted evening” of community-driven hope.
Executive Director Jenn Echevarria then took the stage, delivering an inspiring, heartfelt speech written partially in iambic pentameter. She spoke passionately about gathering for a “divine cause,” reminding the audience that “every soul deserves a place to rest.” Echevarria urged the crowd to be heartfelt, be inspired, and—in true whimsical fashion—to “stay out of the way of people and desserts.”
Halfway into her speech, she used the platform to announce a momentous milestone: Connections Shelter, which previously operated seasonally from October to May, is officially transitioning to a year-round operation. “Resources continue to dwindle,” Echevarria noted, addressing the immense challenge of expanding services in a difficult economic climate. “But we said, ‘Okay, but what if we did it anyway?’”
The announcement was met with a resounding standing ovation from the crowd, many of whom are active volunteers for the organization. Echevarria extended deep gratitude to her staff and volunteers, who step up daily to help neighbors experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives with grace and empathy. “It is complicated, exhausting work,” she said, “but they continue to show up.”
To sustain these year-round operations, Connections is aiming to raise $200,000 this year, having already secured $120,000 prior to the Soiree. Echevarria emphasized that solving homelessness requires relentless collaboration with local advocates, businesses, and government bodies. “It may take 47 meetings,” she smiled, “but the work gets done.”
As the sun set over the Arboretum, leaving only the soft glow of fairy lights and campfire embers from the s’mores station, the sentiment of the evening was clear. From elderly citizens to young families, those afflicted by unfortunate events or addiction are not invisible and Connections Shelter will continue to offer a home to those in need year round. A once near-impossible dream becoming an unbelievable reality.
“Every act of kindness matters,” Echevarria concluded, “Tonight is a reminder of what this community can do when we work together.”
To learn more about Connections Shelter, donate to their year-round operations campaign, or inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit their website or stop by the Drop-In Center in downtown Mankato.
