Autumn in the Valley Gala

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Join the friends and family of Carpenter Nature Center for an evening of fun for a good cause. It’s a memorable dinner, raffle, silent and live auction, and is Carpenter’s most important fundraiser of the year. Funds raised from this event directly go towards supporting environmental education programs for youth, protecting wildlife habitat in both MN and WI, and providing nature-based recreation opportunities for the community.

Event Schedule

4:00 pm          Social Hour with Open Bar, Cart Tours, and Live Music

6:00 pm          Program and Live Auction

7:00 pm          Dinner catered by Lake Elmo Inn

7:30 pm           Silent Auction Close

8:00 pm          Check-out available

Register for the Gala & Online Auction


Cost of Attendance

$95 per person
Early Bird Special
OR
$110 per person
If purchased after August 11

*Contributions are tax deductible excluding the value of each seat. FMV of one seat is $60.00.


Purchase Tickets

Register Online

or complete and send-in our Gala Ticket & Sponsorship Form.

Online Auction Registration


Coming soon!

Sponsorships & Auction Item Donation

The Autumn in the Valley Gala would not be possible without the support of generous donors and event sponsors. Sponsors receive recognition prior to and following the event, as well as the opportunity to reserve event seats for the onsite gathering. To become an event sponsor, please Register Online or send in a completed 2023 Donation and Sponsor Request Form.

We are currently seeking item donations for our silent auction fundraiser. To donate an item, please contact Erika at erika@carpenternaturecenter.org or (651)-437-4359, or mail in the 2023 Donation and Sponsor Request Form.

Auction Item Ideas and Guidelines:

  • New items, no used please
  • Themed gift baskets
  • Nature or outdoor themed items
  • Gift cards to local restaurants and businesses
  • Unique experiences or trips
  • New or Like-New items

Item donations accepted until end of August 2023

Carpenter Nature Center respects the privacy of its donors and does not disclose, sell, or exchange donor information to or with any person or any other entity unless required by law. We will, however, list donor names in the recognition rolls of the annual report and in a limited number of our other publications, unless a donor has chosen to make a gift anonymously.