International Evening of Eagan Sets Fundraising Record, Raises More Than $50,000 for Local Students and Nonprofits
Published: November 28, 2025
EAGAN, MINNESOTA –The Eagan Community Foundation is celebrating a major milestone after announcing that its annual International Evening of Eagan fundraiser brought in a record-setting $52,000 this year, the highest total in the event’s decades-long history. The community-wide celebration took place on November 13, 2025, at the Lost Spur Event Center, drawing hundreds of residents for an evening highlighting global cultures, local generosity, and shared community pride.
Held as the community heads into the season of gratitude, the event showcased why it has become one of Eagan’s most beloved traditions. Attendees enjoyed international cuisine, cultural demonstrations, music, and hands-on activities that highlighted the community's rich diversity while raising funds for scholarships and critical local programs.
Kalahari Foods owner Rosemond Sarpong Owns sharing nkate cake (peanut brizzle) – a traditional Ghanaian treat.
A Night of Global Flavor and Local Impact
This year’s event featured 15 international food vendors offering flavors from around the world. Guests also engaged in cultural activities including henna artistry, Ukrainian head-wreath making, and crafting Guatemalan worry dolls. Live music from Daniel the Violinist added to the ambiance, while KARE 11 reporter Karla Hult emceed the program, bringing warmth and connection to the evening’s celebration.
KARE 11 reporter Karla Hult guided the evening’s program and helped spotlight community-driven philanthropy in Eagan.
Executive Director Jamie Hopkins said the record turnout and contributions reflect the deep sense of community that defines Eagan.
“This event captures the heart of Eagan,” Hopkins shared. “We gather across cultures and across backgrounds, but always with a shared purpose: to invest in our community. The generosity we witnessed will ripple through scholarships, community grants, and programs that strengthen Eagan all year long.”
Event Co-Chair Sally O’Keefe echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how cultural traditions help build meaningful connections.
“This event shows how food and culture create connection,” O’Keefe said. “Everyone who walked through the door helped build something bigger than any one of us—a community where we understand, celebrate, and support one another.”
Guests participate in the Ukrainian wreath-making activity during the Eagan Community Foundation’s International Evening of Eagan event on Nov. 13 at Lost Spur Event Center. The station featured traditional vinok floral headpieces, symbolizing beauty and resilience.
Supporting Students, Nonprofits, and Community Needs
The funds raised will directly support Eagan students through local scholarships. They will help nonprofits address a range of community challenges, including food insecurity, housing stability, youth mental health, and access to the arts. The event also fuels youth-led philanthropy and leadership development, expanding opportunities for the next generation.
Outgoing Board Chair Derek Boeve highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing role in uplifting the community.
“A strong community foundation makes a strong community,” Boeve said. “The Foundation connects generosity with real, local needs—whether that’s supporting a student, helping a family in crisis, or strengthening the nonprofits doing vital work. Events like this show how much Eagan cares.”
Local restaurant vendors serve global dishes to guests. The event featured 15 international food stations representing cuisines from around the world.
A Legacy of Giving
Since its founding in 1991, the Eagan Community Foundation has reinvested more than $3 million into local scholarships, grants, fiscal sponsorships, and leadership programs. As Eagan grows and diversifies, the Foundation continues to serve as a trusted steward of community resources and a convener of residents, partners, and nonprofits.
Looking to 2026 and beyond, the Foundation plans to expand its philanthropic reach while continuing to invest in students and community needs. Residents interested in contributing can support the Foundation through memorial funds, donor-advised funds, or gifts to its long-term endowment.
More information about the Eagan Community Foundation and its initiatives can be found at www.eaganfoundation.org.
Henna artist Rahki Penugonda applies traditional henna designs.
Written by: Will Wight
Images Provided by the Eagan Community Foundation.
