EP Gives gala blends joy, generosity and community connection

It starts with a simple idea: Bring people together, raise some money, and change lives. But for Mary Mackmiller and Tina Palmer, co-chairs of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation’s EP Gives gala, it’s become something much deeper.

“It’s more than just a party,” Palmer said. “It’s a chance to come together with Eden Prairie’s leaders and caring community members. Every year, I meet people I haven’t met before and hear amazing stories about the Foundation’s impact. It’s truly inspiring.”

Hosted by the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, the gala is one of the organization’s largest annual fundraisers, supporting local nonprofits through grants and community programs.

Now in its 45th year, EP Gives returns Thursday, May 1, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka. The evening will feature happy hour, dinner, live and silent auctions, and plenty of chances to support local nonprofits. The Foundation aims to raise $125,000; last year it raised $115,000.

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When Mackmiller got involved in 2012, attendance had declined, and the traditional format was losing appeal.

“Those big dress-up fundraisers were, frankly, going out of style,” she said. “I wanted the event to feel more inclusive – a ‘come as you are, everyone is welcome’ kind of vibe.”

Mackmiller also wanted to refocus attention on the event’s purpose. “The only reason we have this great event is to support the nonprofits in our community that do so much,” she said.

Palmer, who joined the board in 2018 and rolled off last year, met Mackmiller soon after attending her first EP Gives. She’s been helping lead it ever since.

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“What we really do is help nonprofits in our community meet unmet needs – the things they can’t cover through their own fundraising,” Palmer said.

Though neither serves on the Foundation board anymore, they remain at the heart of the event. They now co-chair a committee of volunteers and staff, working nearly year-round.

“It takes months and months of work – it really does,” Palmer said.

Trips, tickets, and energy

This year’s live auction features a few showstoppers: eight days in Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta, a week in Tuscany complete with a wine tasting and cooking class, a beachfront stay in St. Martin with a jeep tour, and a personal tour of the Minnesota State Capitol with state Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (who serves as the gala’s emcee this year). There’s also a local craft beer and seltzer package.

The silent auction includes a whiskey and bourbon package, spa experiences, dining packages, and more.

Attendees can enter a $100 Golden Ticket raffle for a chance to choose any live auction item. There’s also a $30 wine pull and a heads-or-tails game.

“We usually don’t get a chance to eat,” Palmer joked. “We’re up and moving, helping people, and making sure everyone’s having a good time.”

Stories behind the bids

For Palmer and Mackmiller, the reason to keep showing up is simple: learning how the Foundation’s support has changed lives.

Last year, EP Gives helped fund a domestic violence shelter that supported a pregnant woman and her young child as they fled abuse.

Mackmiller recalled a PROP Shop client whose husband took everything in a divorce – even the furniture. “She came in with nothing – not even a mattress,” she said. “The PROP Shop gave her a bed, furniture, and support. Her whole demeanor changed.”

Palmer pointed to another family, whose child with developmental disabilities found help through True Friends. “All three of those stories were made possible through EP Gives,” she said.

Still time to join

As of Friday, 208 guests had registered. Tickets, sponsorships ($1,500–$10,000), and challenge-match donations ($500+) are still available.

“It’s really easy to register,” Palmer said. “You can go online or call the Foundation. They’ll help you.”

She added, “Beyond the fact that you’re coming to this event and doing good, it’s just a really fun time. You see neighbors, meet city leaders, and connect with the community. Everybody leaves with a smile on their face.”

Mackmiller agreed. “The energy in the room – you can feel it in your bones. People genuinely want to be there, and they’re so happy they came.”

Get tickets

To register or learn more about the event, visit epgives.org. Those unable to attend can still support the cause by donating online.

Questions? Contact Greg Leeper, executive director of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, at gregleeper@epcommunityfoundation.org.