Thanks to everyone who made Summer Smash 2011 a great success!
WHAT IS SUMMER SMASH? SUMMER SMASH is an event that brings together families, friends and neighbors in such a way that fun translates into giving. It also provides a vehicle to give the benefiting charity exposure to many people in the community who may not know them or fully appreciate the work they do every day around them.
THE UNIQUENESS OF SUMMER SMASH While having the usual live and silent auctions, raffles and other participation activities, SUMMER SMASH stands out in many ways from other benefit galas.
1) Entertainment The musical focus of SUMMER SMASH is to bring nationally known acts to an intimate setting. Dennis DeYoung (former Styx lead singer & song writer), The Guess Who, and Don Felder (The Eagles’ lead guitarist for 27 years) have performed at the three previous events. Renowned jazz singer, Patty Peterson performs as guests arrive and mingle, and a local rock band plays before the headliner takes the stage.
2) Cost We believe strongly that philanthropic participation is an important part of one’s civic duty. With that in mind, the ticket cost to SUMMER SMASH has been set at a reasonable level to encourage broad participation.
3) Cross Generational Appeal The structure and pricing of SUMMER SMASH has allowed for an unique mix of attendees. Attendees range in age from 18 to 70+, with an estimated 25-30% under 30. Many of the parents of the young adults are also in the crowd. The roots of the first family celebration are evident throughout the evening as parents and their adult children participate in the gala together, introducing the younger adults to philanthropy.
4) Night Club Atmosphere Music is heard throughout the evening. Heavy hors devours are served, with no sit down dinner or long presentation. The pace and vibe is up tempo and continues throughout the evening. The Headliner performs in a very intimate setting and is encouraged to mingle with the crowd after the event.
WHO WILL BE COMING TO SUMMER SMASH? SUMMER SMASH is a ticketed event. Event goers will range from 18 – 70+ years old. 500 – 600+ attendees are expected.
HISTORY SUMMER SMASH is a benefit gala developed by Tom and Kathy Snouffer in 2009. The Snouffers have lived in Prior Lake for 25 years where they raised three boys. They have both been active in the community volunteering in the schools and sports organizations. As part of a large family celebration in 2008, they asked the CAP Agency how the celebration could benefit the agency. A food drive and raffle was added as a part of the family party and approximately $12,500 in food and cash was donated to the CAP Agency. In 2009, Kathy and Tom started SUMMER SMASH with hopes of it becoming an annual benefit event and raised over $18,000. The 2010 event was able to donate more than $30,000 to the CAP Agency. The Snouffers have underwritten the majority of the expenses for the past three years. Their goal is to continue their personal support until SUMMER SMASH becomes self- sustaining.
In 2012 Summer Smash is excited to announce a new benefactor - The Laker Educational Foundation.
This Years Event
Friday, August 12, 2011
6:00 PM - Midnight
6:00 PM - Midnight
The Epic Event Center
110 N. Fifth Street, Minneapolis
110 N. Fifth Street, Minneapolis
WATCH FOR DETAILS ON 2012 SUMMER SMASH COMING SOON, INCLUDING THE ANNOUCEMENT OF OUR NEW BENEFACTOR - THE LAKER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION!
3 Bands, Live & Silent Auctions, Heads & Tails, Raffle, Hors d’oeuvres & Cash Bar
Black ties admired but not required (Suggested minimum age 18)
