Submitted photo Turner Ladies recently pledged $25,000 to the Turner Hall Capital Campaign. The organization also plans to purchase $10,000 worth of kitchen equipment. Pictured are left to right, Barbara Becker, Turner Ladies president; Virginia Suker Moldan, Turner Hall general manager; and Ed Weber, Capital Campaign chairperson.

NEW ULM — The Turner Hall Capital Campaign recently received a generous donation from the Turner Ladies.

The Turner Ladies, a volunteer organization that supports Turner activities, pledged $25,000 over five years beginning in 2018 as well as $10,000 to purchase new equipment for the kitchen. The $35,000 pledge fulfills the mission of the Turner Ladies to support Turner Hall in any capacity, according to Turner Ladies President Barb Becker.

The Capital Campaign, which was announced last year in conjunction with Turner Hall being honored as Business of the Year by the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, seeks to raise $500,000 to completely update the kitchen, pave the parking lot and replace the sewer line.

A previous capital campaign, which ended in 2011, raised $1.2 million for improvements at Turner Hall. The Turner Ladies contributed $100,000 to that effort.

“I have been a Turnverein member since 1969, and the Turner Ladies have always supported Turner Hall projects. It’s part of their mission statement,” said Ed Weber, chairperson of the Capital Campaign. “Their financial contributions and volunteer activities provide a solid foundation for Turner Hall, now and in the future.”

Initial work on the parking lot will take place this month (April) when the circular drive to the Washington Street entrance is paved. The work will be completed before April 22, the date of the annual Turner Hall gala.

Kitchen demolition and reconstruction will start Dec. 26 with completion targeted for March 2018, according to Turner Hall General Manager Virginia Suker Moldan. During this time, Turner Hall plans to offer menu items that can be prepared in the smaller kitchen on site. In addition, Turner will open that kitchen to community members who wish to prepare their favorite meal for its guests. For example, a “guest chef” could cook a batch of spaghetti from a treasured recipe or cater to connoisseurs of sauerkraut and German potato salad.

Approximately 100 women belong to Turner Ladies, including honorary members. The organization holds a sauerkraut supper and a bake sale annually as fundraisers. Member volunteers work at the Fourth of July celebration in Turner Park. They also provide staffing at wedding receptions, appreciation banquets and whatever events need their assistance.

New members are always welcome.

Interested ladies can connect with Turner Ladies Society President Barbara Becker at 507-217-9967. Call or text for details on membership.

The Capital Campaign committee includes Kathleen Backer, Dan Beranek, Gary and Joleen Koch, Ted Marti, and Weber. David Hirth is currently president of the Turverein board of directors.