Annual Winter Fundraising Events
Your support is vital to not only keep the history of Dorothy’s life alive, but also to inspire and train the next generation of history caretakers. With your help, we can not only fund Museum operations, we can fund the important educational work done through both our internship program and our mission-driven public programming.
Online Auction
Begins February 6
We are proud to showcase a variety of items, experiences and services generously donated by our friends and neighbors.
Online Auction starts: 12:15am, Thursday Feb 6
Online Auction ends: 6:30pm, Thursday Feb 13
All items in the online auction will on display at the in-person event February 13 for viewing. Bidding will continue online until 6:30pm and those present may take their items home. More Details
Plaid Tie Event
Thursday, February 13 at 5:30-8:30pm
Show your support by attending our in-person dinner where plaid attire is encouraged and FUN is in the fundraising!
In addition to a delicious buffet meal, we will have fundraising activities including a write-in silent auction, raffle buckets and door prizes.
Other ways to support
- Sponsor student volunteer dinner tickets
- Sponsor this event with a financial contribution
- Donate an item, experience or service for our auctions
Canoe Raffle
Drawing February 13 at the Plaid Tie Event
Our 2024 canoe raffle drawing for a Wenonah Spirit II will be at our event on February 13, 2025 – attendance is not required to win.
Per MN State Law, tickets may be purchased in person or via postal mail. Send a check or money order for payment (made out to DMM), and your full name, address, phone number and email to:
DMM-Raffle
PO Box 391
Ely MN 55731
Where your support goes
One effort this fundraiser supports our robust Small Museum Management Internship Program for college students providing opportunities to develop professionally through a variety of training opportunities and work experiences that are vital for the success of the daily and seasonal operations in a small museum including program and exhibit development, fiscal management, customer and community engagement, and site maintenance AND includes a day trip into the Boundary Waters, visits to other area attractions, first aid training as well as a livable hourly wage and provided housing.
This fundraiser also supports development of interactive exhibit elements like our “Dorothy’s Friends” exhibit scavenger hunt installed in 2024. Dorothy’s wildlife friends on Knife Lake share special stories and offer digital content via QR codes for visitors of all ages to engage in Dorothy’s life and the Museum’s exhibits at a deeper level.