Baraboo Gala breaks records

Two thumbs up to all the volunteers and businesses that made this year's Circus World Museum Gala a huge success. Featuring food and drink from 32 of the area's top chefs, the gala raised a record $170,000 for Circus World Museum operations. More than 500 guests were treated to a smorgasbord of food and fun, including performances by many of the acts that are featured this summer at Circus World Museum.
What's truly amazing is that organizers had to spend only about $2,000 to pull off this event. Scores of businesses and individuals from Baraboo, Wisconsin Dells and the Madison area contributed tens of thousands of dollars in food and merchandise that enabled organizers to host yet another first-rate event. As in past years, the tireless efforts of co-chairs Merlin and Jenele Zitzner of Baraboo and Jonathan and Susan Lipp of Madison were integral to the success of the event.
The significance of the event was best summed up by Steve Freese, CWM executive director: "When you can generate that kind of revenue with, you know, only $2,000 in expenses, I think every non-profit in America would like to have our formula for doing it."
While we're on the topic of fundraisers, another thumbs up to the Baraboo-area residents who joined forces to raise $38,000 during last weekend's Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. Dozens of participants gathered in memory of their loved ones who died of cancer, or in support of those who are currently afflicted with it.
About 20 volunteers worked to make this year's event happen and area businesses supported it with donations for a silent auction. Said event organizer Morgan Jones: "I just thank everyone, for coming and for being involved. It's a big effort by everyone, so it's always appreciated."