Gill Family Fundraiser a Success

Nearly 300 friends and family members of the late NYLC Program Manager Bernard Gill gathered Saturday, October 25, to celebrate his life and passions in a fundraiser for his four children. Billed as an evening of arts and entertainment, the event also included a silent auction, dessert bar, and pumpkin sale, and raised nearly $11,000.

“Both the family and NYLC staff were overwhelmed by the response,” said NYLC Operations Director Pam Siebert.  

Highlights of the evening included music ranging from Faith Tabernacle Gospel Fellowship International, to Two Nations Drum Group, to the mother daughter team of Diane and Imani Moore, to the rock group More Than Lights. Interspersed among the musical performances were interpretive dance, theater, and spoken word pieces — all of which served as a poignant tribute to Bernard.

As one of the event organizers Barb Clark said, “We were especially excited about the coverage the Star-Tribune gave the event” through a column by Nick Coleman. The article drew in people outside of Bernard’s circle who were moved by the family’s story.

A man of family, faith, and community, Bernard died April 10, during the Annual National Service-Learning Conference held in Minneapolis last April. He left behind a family of four teenage and young adult children whose mother had died a decade earlier.

Particular thanks to the TIES staff who contributed in so many ways, and to the many volunteers, entertainers, silent auction donors, and friends who made the evening memorable.

Fundraising efforts continue via NYLC and at Western Bank.  

Please:
1. Click here to donate online. (Please note: We are only able to accept payment via VISA, MasterCard, and Discover personal credit cards online.)

2.  Send a check or money order by mail to:

Attn: Bernard Gill Children's Fund
663 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55104

3.  Drop off a donation at any of the six Western Bank locations in the Twin Cities.