Lake Benton Area Foundation

03/30/2026

Well… we’re still not over it. What a night!

Our gala was one for the books, and it only happened because of this incredible community. Truly.

To everyone working behind the scenes (you know who you are)… thank you for making the magic happen. They showed up early, stayed late, and kept everything running smoothly.

To our sponsors and donors… your generosity continues to blow us away.

And to everyone who came, bid, laughed, danced, and supported us in any way - WOW. You showed up big, and we felt it all night long.

We are so lucky to be part of a community that knows how to have a good time and show up for something meaningful.

From the bottom of our hearts… thank you for making this year’s gala such a huge success. We couldn’t do it without you!

I will never stop loving my community!!

-Jess, LBAF

03/28/2026

🌟Sponsor Spotlight: Kjergaard Sports🌟

For hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts, Kjergaard Sports is a destination—where the service and the price are worth the trip.

As one of the largest shooting sports stores in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Kjergaard Sports carries over 5,000 guns in stock along with all the accessories you need. Their knowledgeable team makes sure you leave with exactly what you’re looking for.

They’ve also generously donated the raffle firearm for this year’s Gala! A Henry Golden Boy .30-30 Lever Action Rifle, helping make the night even more exciting while supporting our community fundraiser.

Raffle tickets are $20 each, with only 200 available, so don’t wait to grab yours during the LBAF Gala TONIGHT!!

Thank you, Kjergaard Sports, for supporting the Lake Benton Area Foundation Gala and the communities you serve!

03/28/2026

🎶✨ Nashville Nights Gala Schedule ✨🎶
We can’t wait to welcome you for an unforgettable evening of music, food, and fun! Here’s what the night looks like!

Let’s make it a night to remember—great company, incredible items, and a whole lot of Nashville spirit. See you there!

03/27/2026

🌟Sponsor Spotlight: Kibble Equipment 🌟

When it comes to agriculture in our region, few names are as well known as Kibble Equipment. Proudly serving farmers and producers across the Midwest, Kibble Equipment provides the equipment, parts, service, and expertise that help keep operations running strong year-round.

As a trusted John Deere dealer, their team understands that when it’s time to plant, harvest, or get work done in the field, reliable equipment and dependable service matter. Their knowledgeable staff works closely with customers to make sure they have the right tools to get the job done.

We appreciate Kibble Equipment for supporting agriculture, our local communities, and the Lake Benton Area Foundation Gala. Thank you for being a valued sponsor!

03/26/2026

🌟Sponsor Spotlight: BioAg Energy Services🌟

Keeping farms running, businesses moving, and homes supplied with reliable fuel is what BioAg Energy Services, LLC does best. With bulk fuel facilities in Lake Benton, Balaton, and Pipestone, they proudly serve communities across southwest Minnesota.

BioAg Energy Services is a full-service bulk petroleum and renewable motor fuels supplier, providing agricultural, commercial, and residential customers with petroleum products, renewable biofuels, contracting programs, and storage tank solutions. In other words, when you need fuel you can count on, they’ve got you covered.

We’re grateful for businesses like BioAg Energy Services that help keep our local communities fueled and moving forward. Thank you for supporting the Lake Benton Area Foundation Gala!

03/26/2026

We might need a moment for this one… because WOW!!!

“Glory on the Ridge” by Michelle Weber is coming to the live auction and it is as meaningful as it is stunning. Inspired by the rolling prairie and the iconic cross overlooking Lake Benton, this one-of-a-kind piece is a powerful reflection of faith, beauty, and home.
With national recognition and local roots, Michelle has created more than a painting this is a statement piece with a story you can feel.
Trust us… you are going to want to be in the room for this one
✨🎨🌾✝️

“Glory on the Ridge” by Michelle Weber
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Michelle Weber Studio Original
24”x36”, mixed media on canvas

“Glory in the Ridge” is my original interpretation of the vast rolling hillsides and beautiful prairie where the cross on the hill overlooks all who live and pass through Lake Benton. The cross has become a beacon of hope to all who seek their faith, look for guidance and signifies the ultimate gift we were given.
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This original will be a one of a kind piece in the live auction!
(Authentic Barnwood included in purchase price or custom framing available at The Studio for an additional cost)
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Prints sold Saturday will be LIMITED & SPECIAL EDITION, signed, 24”x36”, gallery wrap prints. With only the number purchased this Saturday, March 28th, determining the edition size (ex: if 5 sell the edition is only 1/5-5/5. If 20 sell the edition is 1/20-20/20 and so on)

Pm me to be live on the phone or leave a bid if you are unable to attend and would like the opportunity to own this meaningful piece or a special edition print.

OR
Not the art buying type but want to support our amazing small town anyway?! LIKE & SHARE this post.

03/25/2026

🌟Sponsor SPotlight: DD Gravel🌟

This year marks 40 years in business for DD Gravel, a hometown family business that has been proudly serving the region for decades.

Known for reliability and hard work, DD Gravel has built its reputation by taking care of our communities’ hauling and digging needs with the right equipment and the right family team to get the job done on time, on budget, and to your expectations. Whether you need a pail of sand or truck loads of rock, they are there for you. Give them a call today for help with your next project! 507-825-5552.

We’re grateful for businesses like DD Gravel that continue to invest in and support our local communities. Thank you for supporting the Lake Benton Area Foundation Gala and helping make a difference close to home!

03/24/2026

🌟Sponsor Spotlight: Lake Benton Lake Association🌟

There’s just something special about lake life! Sunsets over the water, early morning fishing, kids jumping off the dock, and neighbors waving from across the shoreline. Helping protect and preserve that way of life is the Lake Benton Lake Association.

The Association’s mission is simple and meaningful: to protect, preserve, and enhance Lake Benton for everyone who enjoys it, today and for generations to come. Through stewardship, education, and community involvement, they work to keep the lake healthy, welcoming, and a place people are proud to gather.

Whether it’s keeping the water clean, supporting improvements around the lake, or simply bringing neighbors together, their work helps make Lake Benton a place where memories are made all summer long. Dean Lueck, President, Stacy Weller, Vice President, Dan Ellefson, Treasurer, Dawn Kutil, Secretary

Thank you to the Lake Benton Lake Association for supporting the Lake Benton Area Foundation Gala and for everything you do to keep our lake and our community strong.

03/24/2026

🎸✨ Live Music, Southern Charm, and a Nashville Getaway! ✨🎸

One of the most exciting auction items at the 2026 Lake Benton Area Foundation Gala will be a Nashville Getaway Package valued at $2,500!

Thanks to our partnership with Sioux Empire Travel, the winning bidder will receive a $2,500 travel credit toward an unforgettable trip to Nashville, Tennessee.

Whether you're a country music fan, a foodie, or just ready for a fun getaway, this package is sure to be one of the most sought-after items of the night!

Mark your calendars and get ready to bid!

03/24/2026

*The inspiration and the idea*
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Nestled on the border of SD/MN is a town nestled within a major natural ridge (Lake Benton on the Buffalo Ridge) which alters the landscape from soft rolling farmland to dramatic hillsides, vast untamed grasslands, trees, and valleys which lead to a gorgeous preserved lake. When driving its almost as if you are dropping into a dreamy oasis as you wind your way down through this natural Hallmark movie scene. In town, the script continues when you begin to meet the people who greet everyone with a smiling face and a genuine welcome at every corner.

But, while friendly small towns are not uncommon, this one holds something beyond your usual tourist attraction. Seen from nearly any location in town and the surrounding area at the top of one of its many peaks you’ll find a massive cross which overlooks the town.

Standing as a beacon of daily hope and truth.

Truth of a lifesaving gift.

Hope that through all life’s wicked trials and winding roads you will find His light shining upon you and the cross guiding you.

This week I will be working on a piece to capture the beauty and darkness of lifes journey and the guiding cross which has become a landmark in our town but also in my life.

The painting will be finished by Saturday and will be auctioned off at our area foundation gala to benefit their continued projects to preserve this towns Hallmark style beauty.
AND Special Edition prints will also be auctioned off with the edition size being ONLY what number we decide that evening!!

(Photos: left is my inspiration photo taken just a stones through from my church and the right is my color study sketch. Painting will be 24x36 mixed media on canvas.)

03/23/2026

🌟Sponsor Spotlight: Roggenbuck Tree Service🌟

When it comes to getting the job done, Roggenbuck Tree Service keeps it simple: work hard, do it right, and leave things better than you found them.

Based right here in Lake Benton, Roggenbuck Tree Service has built a reputation for straightforward, dependable tree work. Whether it’s trimming, removals, or taking care of storm-damaged trees. No fuss, no shortcuts, just the kind of honest work you can count on.

We appreciate businesses like Roggenbuck Tree Service that not only take pride in their work but also support our local community. Thank you for being a sponsor of the Lake Benton Area Foundation Gala and for helping keep our community strong!