Are We Doing a Fall Gala This Year?

No—and Here’s Why

A message from Andi Arnold, Executive Director of Sustainable Stillwater MN

A few people have been asking, “Are you doing a fall gala this year?”

The answer is no—and I want to share why. The decision comes down to three things: access, mission, and impact.

SSMN Wants Everyone to Feel Welcome

Last year, we were troubled that some people who cared about our work could not attend. For some, the cost was a barrier. For others, the format or timing did not work. Whatever the reason, members of our community were left out.

And we did not feel good about that.

Sustainability belongs to everyone. Our work is stronger when people across ages, backgrounds, neighborhoods, and income levels can participate. If an important gathering is out of reach for many of the people we hope to engage, it does not fully reflect our values.

We want Sustainable Stillwater MN to create welcoming opportunities where more people can learn, contribute, connect, and feel that they belong in this work.

Our Time and Energy Should Advance the Mission

A gala may happen on one evening, but producing it takes months. Our part-time staff must coordinate vendors, catering, decor, recruit sponsors, manage tickets, gather auction items, plan communications, organize volunteers, handle countless logistical details and everything that goes into planning a large successful event / party.

For a very small part-time nonprofit team, that is a significant commitment of time, focus, and creative energy.

Every hour devoted to producing a large event is an hour our staff cannot spend developing programs, supporting volunteers, building partnerships, pursuing grants, or implementing practical sustainability projects.

Our time is a limited resource. We want to protect it and direct it toward the work that can create the greatest lasting benefit for our community.

SSMN Wants Donor Support to Fuel Impact

We also see this decision through the eyes of a donor.

Personally, when I give to an organization, I want my contribution to support programs, people, partnerships, and measurable results. 

Of course, we understand that fundraising has costs, and we believe celebration and community connection have real value. But we felt uncomfortable with how much money was going toward producing a party before it could support the mission.

We have a responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of every dollar entrusted to us. For Sustainable Stillwater MN, continuing the gala no longer felt like the most responsible or mission-centered choice.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Not holding a gala does not mean we will stop gathering or celebrating. Joy, recognition, and connection belong in this work. We will continue creating welcoming ways for people to meet, learn, volunteer, celebrate progress, and experience our mission firsthand.

What is changing is where we place our energy and how we invite people to support the work.

We are choosing greater access.

We are choosing to protect our part-time staff’s capacity. 

We are choosing a clearer connection between donor support and community impact.

Most of all, we are choosing our mission.

We know this event holds good memories for many people, and we are grateful for everything it helped us accomplish in getting us to where we are today. Sustainable Stillwater MN hopes you will see this decision as an honest expression of our values and our commitment to stewarding your trust well.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US & BEING PART OF SUSTAINABLE STILLWATER MN!