United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota
hosted its fourth annual Celebrity Waiters’ Dinner on Friday,
November 9th at the St. Paul Hotel. Eighteen celebrities from the
Twin Cities community waited tables and entertained guests to help
UCPMN raise money, with emcee Todd Walker creating an entertaining
and engaging evening.
UCPMN holds the annual event to raise funds for the programs administered
from their St. Paul office. The funds raised help UCPMN provide augmentative
communications devices, which allow people with disabilities to have
a voice. Many times, people with cerebral palsy have a difficult time
speaking or being heard and understood, and use a communication device.
UCPMN lends communication devices for trial to potential buyers.
This year, Ronna Linroth,
manager of the Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare—Phalen
Clinic, was recognized for her efforts in improving the quality
of health care for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
Congressman Jim Ramstad was recognized for his many years of legislative
support for disability issues.
Other highlights included former pro wrestler Greg Gagne generating
tips by arm-wresting challengers at the lectern, KSTP anchor Brad Sattin
raising tips by kissing the service dogs in training, and KSTP reporter
Beth Jett providing entertainment by twirling a baton.
Glenn Fladeboe served as auctioneer and helped raise $3,000 in only
two minutes.
Overall, the success
of the auction, both live and silent, in addition to tips raised
by celebrity waiters and donations, made the evening financially
beneficial to UCPMN’s cause, as well as memorable
and entertaining for those in attendance. ![]()
