New Ulm Narren and royalty visit with Oak Hills resident Evelyn Berg during the Oak Hills Evening of Giving fundraiser Thursday, at Royal Oaks Event Center in New Ulm. Miss New Ulm (left) and members of the New Ulm Narren group brought smiles and fun to the event. (Oak Hills Staff contributed photo)

NEW ULM, Minn. — The parking lot at the Royal Oak Event Center overflowed Thursday night as community members gathered for the “Miles, Memories, & Momentum: Oak Hills Evening of Giving.” 

The gala, aimed at securing a new bus for residents, filled the venue and moved toward an ambitious $120,000 goal.

​The event, a revival of a community tradition historically known as the “Frolics,” was organized in just two months. 

Izzy Wittbrodt, director of operations at Oak Hills, noted the rapid turnaround.

“We came up with the idea in March,” Wittbrodt said. “So considering we threw this together in about two months, I’d say it turned out amazing.”

​The primary objective is to replace the facility’s aging bus, which has experienced mechanical issues, including overheating and problems with its lift system. A new bus with four wheelchair tie-downs is required for resident safety. 

Candas Schouvieller, executive director of Oak Hills, confirmed the urgency.

“This is a mission call for sure,” Schouvieller said.

​The evening began at 5 p.m. with a social hour and dinner catered by Gutes Essen, accompanied by live music from local performer Crista Bohlmann.

​Attendees participated in several activities to boost donations, including a “casino corner,” a destination-themed table decorating contest, and a “wine pull” featuring $25 mystery bottles. 

A major highlight was the “Dessert Dash,” where tables competed to raise money in pink envelopes for the chance to pick their desserts first.

​”The table that put in the most money got to grab their dessert first,” explained staffing coordinator Jenna Bicknase.

​An online silent auction featured 85 items, ranging from a “Tee Time Escape” at the New Ulm Country Club to a “Grill and Chill” basket donated by Community Insurance Agency of Lafayette-New Ulm.

​The evening culminated in a live auction starting at 8 p.m. led by John Dietz.

​Dietz, whose wife Barb Dietz serves as the Oak Hills board president and whose parents were residents at the facility, was impressed by the community’s support. 

“It’s wonderful to see all these people,” Dietz remarked, noting that his parents “were treated wonderfully” during their time at Oak Hills.

​Schouvieller acknowledged the extensive “behind the scenes” efforts, including work by individuals like Dr. Ann Vogel, who contributed to the planning while out of town. 

Oak Hills staff members coordinated the scheduling and attendee flow to ensure the night ran smoothly.

​ Schouvieller reported being approximately halfway to the $120,000 target during the evening. 

The strong turnout suggests a future for the event, with organizers considering making the gala an annual tradition to support the quality of life for Oak Hills residents.