Holt Gala and Auction

Matt and I were able to attend a gala benefit for Holt last night.  We had so much fun!  We never have an opportunity to get all dressed up, so even that was fun--for me at least!  Matt has lost so much weight in the past year that we had to go buy him new suit pants.  His suit coat is too big as well, but thought it would work for one night.

We had no idea what to expect going into the night.  It started with a silent auction.  There was a room full of items to bid on!  Lots of different items; some authentic items from world travels, pictures, artwork, books, items from local shops, tickets, lots of Husker stuff.  I don't know how much money they made on the silent auction bids, but I guarantee it was a lot. During the silent auction time, we were able to catch up with several couples we went to PIP class with.  It's fun to keep up with everyone and see how things are progressing for each of them.

After that, we sat down for supper.  We sat at a table with two Holt social workers from Iowa, a couple who are in the process of adopting from China, and two other couples who are friends of Holt families.  Molly Holt, daughter of Bertha and Harry Holt- Holt founders- was in attendance.  She lives in Korea and helps run the Ilsan Center.  The center is home for disabled children until they are adopted.  She was the guest speaker.  One of the tables donated $600 for Molly to eat supper with them.  For supper we had salad, dinner rolls, filet and chicken, wild rice, and asian style vegetables. 

The rest of the evening consisted of a live auction.  This was quite entertaining!!  Some of the items auctioned off included:  Husker vs Ohio State tickets, Korean and Indian cooking classes, Asian quilt, Hawaii for a week, Cruises, African safari, and the 77th Heisman Football.  Guess what...Matt and I will be going on a cruise!!  We have three years to go and three destinations to choose from.  I'm thinking a winter get away to Mexico.  :)

On top of all that, Holt raised over $40,000 in donations for Ilsan Center last night.  Let me make that clear, in addition to all the auction items listed above!  After supper, they did what was called "Dessert Dash".  We made bids for dessert based on a table bid and were able to pick out desserts based on how much we bid.  They raised over $17,000 just for dessert!  It was delicious.  Our dessert was an assortment of many different cookies.   

It was quite a night!  I am so thankful to the people there willing to give so freely to benefit Holt.  Matt and I strongly believe in what they do and their mission.  We're looking forward to many more evenings with our Holt family.