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We’re always down for a good time at Tellwell – especially when it’s for a good cause.

Saturday evening left our hearts full as several of us went out on the town for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley’s 35th annual Sweetheart Ball. We ate marvelous food, shared heartwarming moments, and even bid a little on a few of the auction items.

The Tellwell marker for one of our tables at the 2024 RHMC Sweetheart Ball

RMHC of the Red River Valley’s Vital Work

When a family faces the unthinkable, a critically ill child, the whirlwind of emotions and medical decisions can overshadow basic needs. But finding a place to stay or grabbing a meal is not just a trivial detail. It’s essential to a family’s recovery and sense of peace.

Ronald McDonald House Charities provide families with the essential comforts of home. Families can sleep, prepare meals, and find support from staff and other families in similar circumstances. They can focus on the health of their child rather than worrying about long commutes or the financial burden of hotel stays. In fact, around 90% of families are able to stay at RMHC free of charge to keep families together in such trying times. They offer a home away from home for families, keeping loved ones together and sick kids near top-quality health care. In the Red River Valley, we’re lucky enough to have a Ronald McDonald house and family room in one of our hospitals.

Check out some of the wonderful people who made the night possible: the Planning Team!

The 2024 Sweetheart Ball Planning Team from left to right: Sarah Baumgarten, Jena Gordon, Ashley Simmons, Ann Werlinger, Melissa Broin, Alyssa Lakoduk, Randi Dombek, Alyssa Davis, Kendra Lange, Amanda Buth, Penny Schellack, Jakelle Hoffmann Not pictured: Sherri Batesole and Delaney Rick

From left to right: Sarah Baumgarten, Jena Gordon, Ashley Simmons, Ann Werlinger, Melissa Broin, Alyssa Lakoduk, Randi Dombek, Alyssa Davis, Kendra Lange, Amanda Buth, Penny Schellack, snd Jakelle Hoffmann

** not pictured: Sherri Batesole and Delaney Rick

Old Friends and New

It was wonderful to see the lovely Beaton family again. We had a blast filming little Clara over the summer and it was so exciting to watch her see herself on the big screen. One of the live auction items was an art piece by Clara – it sold for thousands of dollars! 

Even better? The proceeds from the auction (both live and silent) go to help more families like the Beatons stay together when a child needs medical care.

The Beaton family at the 2024 RMHC Sweetheart Ball

Helping to Share Their Stories

When we have the opportunity to work with RMHC of the Red River Valley, we jump at the chance. Honoring these little ones’ (and their families’) stories fills our hearts. Each year, Tellwell helps RMHC of the Red River Valley with various projects from film to newsletters. And, when the annual Sweetheart Ball comes around, we’re always excited to help out!

This year, one of our duties was helping with the photo booth. Cinematographer Jordan Ryan made sure that every person on that red carpet felt like a celebrity, while Senior Film Producer Duncan Williamson expertly captured every candid moment.

Jordan hard at work on the red carpet at the 2024 RMHC Sweetheart Ball

A Proud Storytelling Partner

The 2024 Sweetheart Ball was not just an evening of glitz, glam, and fun – it was a reminder of the deep compassion and generosity of the Red River Valley. Seeing familiar faces and making new connections only added to the warmth of the evening. As we dined, danced, and bid on auction items, we were reminded of RMHC’s vital work: keeping families together during times of medical crisis. 

At Tellwell, we are proud to play a part in supporting RMHC’s mission. As one of our very first clients, RMHC of the Red River Valley (and their mission) is near and dear to our hearts. Working with them as their official storytelling partner over the last decade has been a true honor and joy

Some of the Tellwell storytellers (and some of their dates) at the 2024 RMHC Sweetheart Ball