Locals give back to the community at Care & Share

Kasson and Mantorville residents turned out Thursday night to give back to the community at the annual Care & Share fundraising event.
The non-profit organization helps families and individuals in the Kasson and Mantorville area who are in need. The group provides food, gifts and cash during the holiday season in addition to being available throughout the year. The annual November event is the group’s major fundraiser for the year.
It has also supported other local groups including Semcac Food Shelf; Ready, Set, Learn; Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; Faith in Action; Food For Friends; A Place at the Table at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church; and the Dodge County Salvation Army.
This year’s event included recognition of Ron Albright for his 44 years of service, along with a taco bar dinner hosted by Hidden Pines, a cash bar hosted by the Kasson Fire Department, the silent auction and a live auction called by auctioneer Kevin Maring from Hamilton-Maring Auction.
Among the more unusual items at the silent auction was a box with 48 pounds of butter donated by Reber dairy. There were also tools, food and wine selections, and collectibles. The generosity of the community was obvious, with the 48 pounds of butter bringing a winning bid of $450 while one of several cheesecakes sold for $1,400.
The amount raised during the evening was not immediately available but the 2024 event raised nearly $50,000.