Plugged In: April 2015
10 April – CommonBond Communities GrandeGala
In the spirit of James Bond, you have license to thrill at CommonBond’s 007-themed 2015 GrandeGala fundraiser featuring silent and live auctions, cocktails, dinner and a performance by Northern Darling. KSTP sports anchor Joe Schmit hosts the event, which is expected to draw 900 people, including from Wells Fargo, Xcel Energy, UnitedHealth Group and more. Proceeds go to CommonBond’s housing and support services. 6 p.m., $200, St. Paul RiverCentre, 651-291-1750, commonbond.org/grandegala
11 April – Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala
Swap out your work belt for a tool belt during Habitat for Humanity’s annual Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala. Hundreds will gather, from top business executives to active volunteers, to support building homes for families in need. Dance to the beat of High & Mighty as they take the stage for the after-party. 6 p.m., $150 ($85 for young professionals, 35 or younger with YPN code), St. Paul RiverCentre, 651-207-1700, tchabitat.org/hhbt2015
13 – 14 April – MinneWebCon 2015
Rub elbows and bump computer mice with online professionals from all over the industry, ranging from Fortune 500 employees to workers at small agencies, nonprofits and one-person shops. This two-day symposium is formatted with plenty of keynotes, learning sessions and networking opportunities to bring your web presence to the next level. 8 a.m., $120-$300, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 SE Oak St., Minneapolis, 612-624-7854, minnewebcon.org
15 April – Global Matters Spring 2015
Glenn Leitch, president of Jennie-O Turkey Store and group vice president of Hormel Foods Corp., leads a discussion on emerging issues in international business and management. The event is designed for business people, government leaders and academics. A networking reception follows the presentation and question-and-answer segment. 3:30 p.m., $35, Carlson School of Management (3M Auditorium), 321 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-625-9361, globalmattersspring2015.bpt.me
18 April – Minnesota Book Awards
Book lovers celebrate the best in publishers and writers at this year’s Minnesota Book Awards Gala. Meet the finalists for a book signing and wine reception at St. Paul’s historic Union Depot before the award ceremony. The Willie August trio will play stageside. Cap it off with champagne and dessert as New Orleans-style jazz band King Baron Quartet delivers a second course of live music. 7 p.m., $45 for Friends of the St. Paul Library, $50 for non-members, St. Paul Union Depot, 651-222-3242, thefriends.org/events/mnba/gala
25 April – Star Gala
Dress to impress for the 24th annual Children’s Star Gala, emceed by KARE 11’s Belinda Jensen. Live auction items include trips to Colorado’s mountains, Oregon’s wine country and Green Bay for a four-person day-trip by private jet to the Vikings/Packers game at Lambeau Field. Corporate leaders from Target, Medtronic and Boston Scientific are sponsoring this benefit for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. 6 p.m., $5,000 per table (seats 10 people), the Depot, Minneapolis, 651-855-2821, childrensmn.org/childrens-events/stargala