The art of designing desserts: ‘Desserts by Design: Savory and Sweet Edition 2015’ set for Sept. 27

Adding a bit of spice this year to the Desserts by Design fundraising event is the goal, according to the event’s coordinator and Bemidji Symphony Orchestra committee chairwoman Louise Jackson. The event is to raise funds for the BSO.
Savory is the word, and the goal is to get more bakers and designers to join the “sweet” designers, using their own flair for the dramatic. There is still time to sign up for “Desserts by Design: Savory and Sweet Edition 2015,” scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Sanford Center. This year will be buffet style, including appetizers and, of course, desserts.
Not only has the location changed - moving from the Beaux Arts ballroom on the BSU campus to the Sanford Center - but it has also moved to take place on a Sunday.
“This gala fundraiser is valuable financial support for our outstanding orchestra,” Jackson said. “This is the seventh annual fundraiser, and it’s a good way to get our brand out to the community.”
The individual talents already committed to the event include Fulton Gallagher, who will provide a mini-opera, all the way to the zany antics of Kevin Cease as auctioneer for the wide array of prizes, such as tickets to a Minnesota Wild hockey game. Live and silent auction items will include a secret chef who will make dinner for eight, with all the trimmings including libations. It will also include an evening for four at a local resort with fishing, boating, swimming and dinner.
Kelsey’s Jewelry is donating an original piece of jewelry: a G clef with a small gem. Or if theater is your want, a gift certificate for two for a show at one of the large theaters in the Twin Cities with hotel, dinner and a choice of production.
Local artist Susan Kedre will paint a portrait of the winner (or person of their choice) of her prize gift. Eve Sumsky will demonstrate basket weaving and donate a finished basket as a prize. As always, there will bemany items on the silent and live auction tables. Patrick Riley and Dr. Natalie Roholt will again donate the wine for the gala. The goal of this year’s event is $10,000 and the committee is hoping to bring in even more donations to surpass their expectations.
BSO Music Director Beverly Everett will be there to discuss the upcoming season, “Passionate Journeys.” The next concert will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct.3 with guest pianist Dianna Anderson in “Postcards from Germany.” Season tickets will be on sale the evening of the gala.
Something different will be tried this year, with the appetizers (savories) and desserts displayed on buffet tables, so all the guests will have the opportunity to taste and enjoy the variety of offerings.
For more information, or to add a recipe to the competition, contact Jackson at (218) 209-0065.
If you cannot attend, monetary contribution are available by sponsoring a table or tickets; donating a prize for the silent auction or donating to the fundraiser to be used as the committee determines. Checks may be directly sent to BSO, in care of Louise Jackson, 1119 Beltrami Ave. NW, Bemidji, MN 56601.