The third annual Women's Holiday Social at the University of Minnesota, Crookston raised more than $6,795 for student scholarships on the campus. More than 120 people gathered to celebrate the season, connect with friends of the University, enjoy refreshments and listen to holiday music on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, while bidding on some 20 holiday baskets with a value totaling more than $2,750; handcrafted items; artwork as well as participating in raffles and a live auction featuring a French gourmet dinner for four.

Two of the baskets received special awards during the social: Best of Show went to the Academic Assistance Center for their basket themed "Handmade from the Heart." The Chancellor's Choice was awarded to University Relations and the Office of Alumni & Development for their basket which featured the theme "The Good Life."

During the evening, several items were raffled  and winners included Peggy Henry, who won the Hugo's Family Marketplace Party Basket; Natasha Kuhle was the winner of a gift package from TLC Family Hair Care and Salon and Red River Massage Spa Treatment; Richard Jones  won a Dessert of the Month for 6 months, compliments of Erica White, an information technology specialist in the Office of Admissions; and Lori Wagner was the recipient of a fresh floral arrangement from the U of M, Crookston Horticulture Club.

All proceeds from the raffles, silent & live auctions go to the Women's Project Fund to support awareness and the recognition of scholarly work and service throughout the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

A special thank you to Hugo's Family Marketplace, TLC Family Hair Care and Salon, Red River Massage, the UMC Horticulture and International Clubs, Sodexo, Two Fool's Vineyard and the entire community who shared their creative talents in raising awareness for women's scholarships at UMC.

This year's social was a success through the involvement of Emily Knutson, Sherry Just, Ardith Pelton, Audrey Eickhof, Judy Neppel, Barbara Muesing, Jeannine Windels, Michelle Christopherson, Mary Beth Sargeant, Tricia Sanders, Erica White, Amber Bailey, Amber Evans-Dailey, Laurie Wilson, Stephanie Helgeson, Leanne Butt, Kim Knutson, Jess Schein, Yvonne Valgren, Alyssa Aaland, Anna Ogaard, Katie Bowar, Kayla Bowar, Jodi Steiner, Jennifer Severinson, Heather Sperling, Natasha Kuhle, Lynnette Mullins, Audrey Eickhof, and Corby Kemmer.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.