Event Schedule
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8
12:00 p.m. - Silent Auction opens online
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
6:00 p.m. – Reception, Silent Auction, Games
7:00 p.m. – Dinner and Program
7:30 p.m. – Silent Auction closes
9:00 p.m. – After Party Celebration with Dancing, featuring music by The Covers
10:30 p.m. - Evening concludes
Guest Journey
When you arrive at The Depot for the Dish Gala, please first visit Registration in Rock Island to receive your name badge and bidding instructions. This room also hosts Coat Check.
After you and your guests check in at Registration, make your way to the Winter Garden to take your gala photo, grab a drink at the bar, play games, and browse the amazing Silent Auction within the Great Hall.
Doors to the Pavilion will open at 6:30 p.m., which is where we will host our Dinner, Program and After Party. The Dinner and Program begin promptly at 7 p.m. There are two bars located within the Pavilion space as well.
After the Program concludes, hit the dance floor within the space and enjoy live music by The Covers.
If you made a donation or purchase, stop by Check Out in the Great Hall (where the Silent Auction was located) before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I support the Dish Gala as a sponsor?
We have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available for individuals and organizations. All sponsorships include exciting benefits that recognize your generosity and support our mission to end hunger together. To buy a table or learn more about sponsoring the Dish Gala, contact Annie Thurston Moore at athurstonmoore@2harvest.org.
Are individual tickets available?
Individual tickets are available for purchase at $500 per seat. After your purchase, you will receive a follow-up email to confirm additional details for the event. Purchase tickets here.
Where is the Dish Gala, and where should I park?
The Dish Gala is taking place at The Depot (225 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401). We recommend entering from 5th Avenue South and parking in the upper surface parking lot or the underground garage.
If parking in the underground garage, use the yellow Renaissance Elevators to access the gala (indicated on the map).
What is the dress code for the Dish Gala?
The dress code is cocktail attire. Explore photos from last year for inspiration.
What do I need to bring?
The Dish Gala is a ticketless event. As a pre-registered guest, simply go to the registration table within the Rock Island room upon arrival and give your name. You will receive your name badge and be asked to add a credit card on file to allow you to easily bid on auction items and support Second Harvest Heartland.
If I can’t attend the gala, how can I still support Second Harvest Heartland?
Thank you for your support! You can participate in the silent auction, donate online, or mail your donation to:
Second Harvest Heartland
Attn: Dish Gala
PO Box 64051
Saint Paul, MN 55164-0051
How can I participate in the auction?
Our silent auction goes live online on Wednesday, October 8 at 12:00 p.m., so you’ll be able to start bidding from home before the gala. When you arrive at Dish, you will receive instructions on how to continue bidding from your phone. Additionally, you can place a bid using the tablets found next to each auction item at the gala. The silent auction closes at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 11.
The live auction is only available for in-person attendees to participate in during the program.
How will I be notified if I win an auction item?
If you are at the gala, your item(s) will be packaged and ready for you to take home with you at the close of the event, right outside the Great Hall. If you are a virtual participant, you will be contacted by a Second Harvest Heartland team member to arrange pick-up of your item(s) from our Brooklyn Park facility.
Can you tell me more about the interactive games at the gala?
In addition to the amazing auction, the Dish Gala will include two games that take place during the pre-event reception: Wine Wall and Restaurant Gift Card Pull. You can read more about the games on our Auction + Games page.
Is there an ATM available onsite at the Dish Gala?
Yes. Please remember that participation in the games requires payment by cash, check, or debit card.
Are hotel rooms available at the Depot Minneapolis?
Yes, gala guests can reserve a room by calling the hotel at 612-375-1700.
What is the Dish Gala hashtag?
The hashtag is #DishGala. We hope you’ll share your support of Second Harvest Heartland on social media and help us make hunger history!
If I have questions about the gala, who can I contact?
Please reach out to events@2harvest.org. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you Dish Gala Committee Members
Amy Podlesak, Land O’Lakes
Anne Laskey, Second Harvest Heartland
Anne Louise Liska, Talcott Financial Group
Carrie Higgs, Cub
Erin Cohen, Second Harvest Heartland
Kathy Roseberry, Roseberry Group LLC
Maddie Archbold, Second Harvest Heartland
Natasha Orrick, Molina Healthcare
Sara Ball, Vanterra Foundation Solutions
