FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BRUNO, Minn., Oct. 9, 2026. Starmaker Marketing served as a Gold Sponsor of the 12th Annual Giving Gala hosted by A Place For You (APFY) on Friday, Sept. 25, at Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minnesota. The fundraiser supports APFY's work with people experiencing homelessness in East Central Minnesota.
Guests gathered in Ballroom 4 for dinner, a wine grab, and live and silent auctions. APFY calls the 12th Annual Giving Gala its biggest fundraiser of the year. Event organizers recognized Starmaker Marketing's Gold Sponsor support with signage at the event and an on-screen acknowledgment.
“Our work is helping local businesses be found. That is most meaningful when the community around them is strong. A Place For You keeps neighbors safe, and we were glad to stand behind the Giving Gala,” said Joel Virtue, founder of Starmaker Marketing.
APFY provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, community outreach, and health and recovery support. It serves Carlton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine counties. APFY reports that community support in 2025 made possible 73 residents sheltered, 15 people in transitional housing, more than 45 winter hotel stays, and 289 volunteer-cooked dinners.
The Giving Gala is now in its 12th year. APFY reports that the 2025 gala drew more than 250 guests and raised $75,000 for its programs. Those figures describe the 2025 event. APFY has not published attendance or fundraising totals for 2026.
Ticket sales for the 2026 gala have closed. APFY says it will post next year's date and ticket details on its Giving Gala page, and organizations that want to sponsor or host a table in 2027 can contact APFY through its website.
People who need a safe place tonight can call APFY at 320-438-7070. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Neighbors who want to help can give a gift, cook one dinner for residents through Meal Train, or send items from APFY's Amazon wish list.
Starmaker Marketing is a website design and search engine optimization company in Bruno, Minnesota, founded in 1999 by Joel Virtue. It builds websites, provides SEO, hosting and ongoing support, and works with small businesses, startups and service providers across Pine County and nearby Minnesota counties. Learn more about Starmaker Marketing.
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