The money was raised by 275 guests, 44 sponsors, and 43 silent auction donations. Of the over $25,000 raised, $10,000 of it went towards a grant for the Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training (S.M.A.R.T.) program. The grant was accepted by first grade teacher Jennifer Brooks.

“The purpose of S.M.A.R.T. is to promote positive math and reading readiness skills through fine and gross motor activities as well as hand-eye coordination, eye-teaming, and focusing.” An ISD 88 press release stated. “This grant will benefit all students in first and second grades and those in third and fourth grades that need more skills readiness.”

The event was held in person for the first time since 2019. After being forced to do the event from a distance due to COVID, the success of a taco-in-a-bag drive-through in 2021 led the foundation to do the same event the next year.

Administrative Coordinator Amanda Groebner saw people wanted the event back in person, and the response to this years event was proof this change was necessary.

Jennifer Brooks stands with Jim Pearson as he presents her with a $10,000 grant raised by the Extravaganza. The grant will go towards the Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training program for the New Ulm elementary school.

“They were happy that we were back in person.” She said. “Some of our sponsors asked for it back and we were really glad to bring it back in person. People really missed the performances as well.”

Performances were given by the Middle School Jazz Band, Middle School Pops Choir, High School Jazz Band, Oak Street Singers, and the Ulmer Quartet. All of the performance groups were made up of students from the New Ulm Public Schools.

The event venue also changed from the pre-COVID version of the event. It had been at the Event Center, but this year it took place at the Turner Hall for the return to in person festivities.

“It was a little bit more pared down because we changed the venue to Turner Hall from the Event Center to have a more central location.” Groebner said. “Since it was at a smaller venue we weren’t able to accommodate as many people but it was still very well attended.”

The biggest challenge for the event identified by Groebner was letting people know of the event and the changes made to it.

“Getting the word out and getting people to remember what it is and when it is.” She said “There are so many things going on in New Ulm all the time so getting people to know about it and come was the biggest challenge.”

The fundraiser featured a live silent auction with items for attendees to bid on as well as a raffle. The raffle winner received a cooler full of drinks and a cornhole set made by New Ulm Career and Technical Education students.

Those looking for more information can go to isd88foundation.org