We are thrilled to announce that after two years of virtual programming, KOM is bringing back our Annual Gala live and in-person! This year, our gala will be held at the Inwood Oaks Event Center in Oakdale, Minnesota on Thursday, November 3rd, 2022, 5:30pm – 9:00pm. 

The Annual Gala is KOM’s premier fundraising and community building event bringing together community leaders, elected officials, service partners, volunteers, and donors for a special evening. This year’s event promises to be a joyful reunion for past event attendees and an opportunity to welcome new supporters to learn more about our work. With more than 10 new staff, 5 new programs, and thousands of people impacted since 2019, we have a lot to share with you whether you’re new to KOM or a longtime friend!

Registration is now closed. Thank you!

If you would like to support KOM’s fundraiser, but are unable to attend the event, you can purchase raffle tickets from KOM staff before November 3rd to be entered into the drawing. Raffle ticket buyers do not have to be present at the gala to win.

Sponsorship

Sponsor registration is now closed. Gala sponsors, please see our chart, 2022 Gala Sponsorship Packages, for details about pricing and benefits for each sponsorship level. Find our full KOM 2022 Gala Sponsor Letter here.

If you have questions about the event, please contact Alexis Walstad at (651)202-3120 or events@mnkaren.org.

Raffle

Not able to attend the gala this year? You can still support KOM by entering in our raffle! KOM will hold a live raffle drawing during the gala for over 15 prizes! Raffle ticket buyers do not need to be present at the event to win. Prizes include the following:

Art & Textiles

Karen Painting | Karen Necklace & Storage Container | Karen Woven Scarf | Karen Woven Shirts | Karen Woven Table Placements and Pieces | Karen Traditional Horn

Experiences

2 Theater Mu Mainstage Tickets | 2 Chanhassen Dinner Theater Mainstage Dinner and Show Tickets | Minnesota United Gift Pack | 4 Theater Tickets from Stages Theatre Company

Food & Drink

Karen Dinner for 8 at your home | Rice Cooker | Coffee and Bamboo Coffee Dripper | $50 Caribou Coffee Gift Card, 2 Travel Mugs and a Bag of Coffee Beans

Other Items

$250 R. F. Moeller Gift Certificate | Amazon Echo Buds, Echo Show, Echo Auto, and Echo Dot | Smart TV | $100 Gas Card and Hoodie | Bailey Nurseries Plants | Impact 1000 Rangefinder

Buy Tickets

Raffle tickets are $20 each and must be purchased in-person from KOM staff or board members. Stop by our office to buy your raffle tickets today!

Read our KOM House Rules for Raffle for more information about who can buy raffle tickets, where to pick up prizes, required payment options, and more.

For questions regarding the raffle, please contact Eh Tah Khu or Alexis Walstad.

Event Details

We welcome guests for a social hour, dinner, live entertainment by Karen artists, raffle drawing, and program to share highlights of our work. Proceeds from the gala will benefit KOM’s expanded services including youth chemical health, financial coaching, housing stability, and youth leadership initiatives.

Attire

Business or cocktail attire. Traditional cultural clothing is welcome.

Parking

Inwood Oaks Event Center offers easy access off I-94, and parking is free in the lot.

COVID-19 Safety

Masks are welcome, but not required for attending the event. We expect to host around 300 guests in a room with a capacity of 800 to allow for appropriate spacing and air flow. Please contact us at events@mnkaren.org if you have any questions.

Live Music Entertainment

We are excited to announce that Eh Ler Tha, Eh Wah, and their daughter Htar Law Eh will be our special guest musicians performing at the gala. Hear a message from them below:

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Bethesda Family Medicine Clinic

Lexdan Automotive

SKD Auto Transport