CDF Minnesota’s 18th Annual Beat the Odds® Awards Dinner and Celebration
On March 12, 2010, CDF–Minnesota held its 18th annual Beat the Odds® celebration honoring four high school seniors who overcame tremendous adversity to succeed in school and life*: Brian Anderson, Jasmine Caldwell, Amanda Kelley, and Kristal Vang. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak presented each student with a $4,000 scholarship and a personalized ‘Wheaties Box’, compliments of General Mills and Schawk, Inc.
A silent auction and reception, which included a raffle and “Bling Ring” sale, preceded the dinner. Kerri Miller, radio host of Minnesota Public Radio, served as the emcee. CDF–Minnesota director Jim Koppel gave the keynote address. Special guests included Jim Kleinsasser, Minnesota Viking; John Randle, former Minnesota Viking, NFL Hall of Famer 2010; and Randall McDaniel, former Minnesota Viking, NFL Hall Famer 2009.
The event was sponsored by Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP; Thomson Reuters, UCare, and the estate of Jim Wishner, and presented by Fallon, who produced the videos of the honorees. The event was a huge success, raising about $175,000 for CDF–Minnesota to continue its work so that in the future, no child will have to ‘beat the odds’ and all children will be provided a great start in life. View photos.
Special thanks:
Beat the Odds® Chairs: Sarenja DeCandia-Betz and Shane Betz; Tasya Rosenfeld Kelen and Robert Kelen; and Nicole and Chris Liwienski.
Silent Auction Chair: Wendy Brown.
Honorary Chairs: Steven and Judy Schumeister
Event Floral: Sadie's Fine Floral Design
Event Photography: Enlightened Images
Honoree Photography: EyeSee Photo
Wheaties Boxes: General Mills and Schawk, Inc.
Beat the Odds® Coordinator: Clique Event Management, Jennifer Rasmussen
Video Scripting: Susan Reed
Video Narration: Doug Clow
The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.