Some of the cakes looked too good to eat, but they are too delicious not to. Many of the cakes don't taste like what they look like. Owatonna Young Life director Lindsay Thompson reminded attendees at the 41st annual cake auction that Young Life, "Is not about cakes." However those cleverly designed cakes and the specials that come with each courtesy of local businesses and individuals drive the fundraising that allows Young Life to accomplish its mission.

Approximately $80,000 was raised Saturday at the Owatonna High School gym as people bid on the cakes and the wide variety of products, services and experiences that came with each. Some of the biggest totals came during vacation getaways, tickets to events and other unique experiences including a curling day in Owatonna and Escape Room event.

Several students spoke of their Young Life experiences, camping trips and what they enjoy. Go to the homepage of Owatonna Young Life for more details on how they work with students and the programs offered.

The People's Choice Award winning cake was a Yeti-cooler cake that came with an actual Yeti cooler for the winning bidder. The cake was sponsored by Scott and Anna Perkinson and baked by Cheryl Ginnetti who said it took 15 hours to create. The cake was orange Dreamsicle with buttercream and fondant. The beverage cans were made with Rice Krispies. The cake could serve 60 people.

At least one bid winner donated her cake back to Young Life. It was cut up and served from the concession table. It was a carrot cake with a light frosting, and it was delicious! I spoke with one contributor who won a bid last year then gave the cake away to an interested youngster while walking back to his car. As you can tell, it's not about the cakes. I've previously purchased a sale cake and brought it to church for coffee time.

The event opened with a cake-eating contest featuring Young Life students. Huskies' senior Johnny Wall won with a face full of blue frosting. Superintendent Jeff Elstad led bidders in "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" just before a cake with Twins' tickets went on the auction block.

Two games of "Too High or Too Low" were popular as contestants tried to predict prices of such items as a private jet, dinosaur statue and a tin of radioactive material while playing for an iWatch and iPhone.

The final item bid on was a spot at the newly-added VIP table for next year. Former Owatonna Young Life director Chuck Jamison assisted with cake introductions. KRFO's John Connor and I handled the volunteer auction duties.

 

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