The 10th annual Foundation Gala was nothing short of extraordinary. Held amid lush, botanical-inspired décor and a vibrant, welcoming energy, this year’s Gala was a celebration of how far we’ve come—and a powerful reflection of what’s possible when our community comes together with heart and purpose.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this year’s gala—your generosity and unwavering support made the evening a resounding success,” shares Jessica Ryan, executive director of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. “Together, we are building more than structures; we are building hope, opportunity, and stronger communities. With your continued partnership, we’re excited to break ground on our upcoming projects and keep this incredible momentum going.”
Hosted by the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, the Gala brought together more than 500 industry professionals, partners, and supporters for an evening of connection, generosity, and inspiration. From heartfelt stories and exciting auction moments to a few fun surprises along the way, the 2025 Gala was a beautiful tribute to 30 years of impact as an organization and 10 years of unforgettable fundraising galas.
Fundraising Highlights
Thanks to our incredible community, the Gala raised more than $500,000 to support our mission of ending homelessness in Minnesota. The Fund-A-Need alone raised a remarkable $236,000, directly supporting upcoming Foundation projects. Live and silent auction items brought in approximately $70,000, with generous bids flying in all night. In addition, for the first time ever, a Heads or Tails donation match, generously provided by North Star Law, raised an additional $1,000 for the Foundation.
It was an evening full of energy. “What an extraordinary night, shares Jeremy Larson, this year’s Foundation Board President. “On behalf of the Board, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made our gala such a phenomenal success. Your support and belief in our mission continue to inspire us. Because of you, we’re not just imagining a better future—we’re building it.”
Honoring Our Supporters
Each year, we take a moment to recognize the individuals and organizations whose unwavering commitment helps further our mission. This year, we were proud to present Lennar Minnesota with the Build Partner of the Year award for their extraordinary contributions to the Foundation. The Hearts in Housing Award was given to Pulte Homes of Minnesota and Jim Fuschetto of Lyman Lumber for their exceptional support and leadership. Contract Interiors and Bill and Ann Burgess were honored with the Distinguished Service Award for their continued dedication to our cause. Their generosity and service truly embody the heart of the Foundation’s work.
A Theme That Bloomed
This year’s botanical theme brought a fresh, floral ambiance to the night, inspiring everything from the décor to the wardrobe. Guests arrived in blooming gowns, garden-party ensembles, and nature-inspired elegance—adding a fun and festive spirit to the heartfelt evening.
A tremendous thank you to our presenting sponsors, Contract Interiors and Dakota County Lumber Company, for their support of this year’s event. And another huge thank you our over 50 additional sponsors this year, a record-breaking show of support from our event sponsors!
Looking Ahead
With every dollar raised and every hand raised in support, we move closer to our vision: a Minnesota where everyone has a place to call home. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation is set to break ground on new supportive housing projects in the coming months— including the largest project in our organization’s history, Veteran Village. We can’t wait to share what’s next!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making the 2025 Gala an unforgettable success.
