Imagination Library Progressive Dinner

April 24, 2021

 

17626204_10212358346942313_53814461625425795_n
reading to united way baby

Returning 2021 

 
Last year, like most other events, when COVID hit we had no choice but to cancel our Imagination Library Progressive Dinner event.
 
It was a decision we did not take casually. This single fundraiser is the largest fundraiser for our Imagination Library program. In one night, we raise nearly $70,000 to support reading in our community. 
 
We knew it was a decision we couldn't make again in 2021. While we can't hold our event in the way we traditionally have, we are returning in April 2021!
 
 
DONATE
progressive dinner table

Cuisine Themes

6 Different Cuisines are available for 2021. As always, you will not know what the menu is until the night of the event! 

#1: Minnesota Thai - Mild to Spicy -SOLD OUT

#2: Global Street Food - Tasty treats from the wide world's streets  SOLD OUT

#3: NOLA Eats : Delicious finds from the French Quarter

#4:Porcine : A tribute to the pig -- This fine dining spin on classic comfort dishes will "curl your tail"!

#5:Restaurant Myth Busters: Learn how to make some of your favorite restaurant dishes while learning the secrets about our local favorites!

#6: Broadway ❤'s Italian! :  The best Italian dishes paired with the best of Broadway musicals performed live from our home to yours (including a sing-a-long finale with words provided!)

What to Expect

 
We know that there are a few elements to Progressive Dinner that are non-negotiable when it comes to this special night. The food has to be outstanding, the hosts and chefs have to be fun and engaging, and it has to be a time to gather with those we love. 

 And we found a way to do all three.

This year's event will be held virtually but we promise you'll still have the same connection as always! This year will be a little different and we will limit each cuisine to approximately 10 households. This means that you can have 2 guests or 20 watching from your location, but as long as you're only logging in on one Zoom account you only count as one "household." We encourage you to make your viewing party plans before calling for tickets! We will ask for the name of the household for your party.
Virtual Event

This year instead of progressing to different homes, you will progress in different Zoom sessions. From a large group Zoom event for appetizers, drinks, and a welcome, to a semi-private cooking lesson with the chef of your cuisine, back to a large dessert reception. The night will be interactive and fun! You should expect a lot of surprises from your virtual host and chef!

Cuisine Selection & Limits

We will have 6 different cuisines to choose from when purchasing your ticket. Like always, you will not know what your meal is or who your Chef will be. (You should expect some local professional chefs as well as some fan-favorite home cooks)

To encourage more one-on-one time with your Chef and other cuisine attendees, as well as make sure the Chef has a manageable number of Zoom screens to monitor, we will be limiting the number of guests in each cuisine. 

Meal Preparation

Each cuisine chef will work with Coborn's to build a meal kit box just for you. This box will include the ingredients for an entree course for two. Before the event, you'll just need to stop by the designated Coborn's store to pick up your pre-paid meal kit. On the night of the event, you'll connect with your Chef through Zoom, along with all other diners in your cuisine for a semi-private cooking lesson. 

Evening Entertainment

We know that a great Progressive Dinner host can make the night so we're calling in our rockstars! Each cuisine will be paired with a chef for the evening and a host. The host will be there to keep the group session fun and engaging. Expect stories, music, jokes, readings, and more, you never know what they have planned!

Gathering Options

How you attend is completely up to you. Whether you choose to have a quiet night at home with your loved ones or invite your entire "quaran-team" over to your house to all participate together, we want you to do whatever makes you feel most comfortable! Maybe you want to stay in your pajamas and eat standing around the stove. Or maybe you want to embrace the cuisine theme and decorate your table and wear themed costumes. This night is yours!

Tickets

Ticket Sales will open at 9am on Monday, March 8th.

Cost: $150 for 2 guests -- this includes your appetizer, meal kit entree ingredients for 2, dessert, and more surprises!

As always, tickets may be purchased by calling the United Way of Central Minnesota office. Please be ready with the following information: 

  • Top three cuisine choices
  • Number of tickets needed
  • Your "household" name (see "Cuisine Selection & Limits" above)
  • Form of Payment

To purchase tickets please call: 320-223-7995

Questions?
If you have any questions about our 2021 Imagination Library Progressive Dinner event please call Sam Switzer at 320-229-3511 or email sswitzer@unitedwayhelps.org