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After months of planning and preparation, the Stars, Stripes, and Songs Fun-Raiser took place on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The afternoon began with hot and cold, savory appetizers and refreshing beverages spread out over three rooms. Guests enjoyed the food, the drinks, the fellowship, and the opportunity to browse and bid on the silent auction items. The musical program kicked off with high energy during the second hour of the Fun-Raiser. President Bob Hermann energized the crowd with a warm welcome and inspiring opening remarks and expressed deep gratitude to those who donated. Then, Dan Joraanstad, keeping with the Stars and Stripes theme, delivered a heart-warming rendition of America the Beautiful, followed by the lively Hoe-Down from Copland's Rodeo. The excitement continued as Rick Harrell picked up the guitar and taught the crowd, via call and response, how to sing the spiritual Wade in the Water. Then with the same tune, but in a dramatic re-interpretation of Wade in the Water for piano, Dan played Troubled Waters by Margaret Bond. After a brief intermission to allow guests to place their final bids at the Silent Auction, the atmosphere soared as Rick Harrell, joined by the masterful pianist Frank Johnson, took the stage for an unforgettable medley of timeless hits from the Great American Songbook. The audience joined in the concluding Irving Berlin hit God Bless America.   |
