ClearCause Event: 2013 Around the World Safety

The 2013 Around the World Safety event at Woodland Hill Winery was a huge success, with over 250 guests attending. The event took place on Sunday, June 30and honored Zoe Damon, Eric Downes, Tyler Hill, Justin Johnson, Joshua Shane, Ravi Thackurdeen, Thomas Plotkin and many others that have died while on study abroad programs.
The event started with a welcome by Emcee Maury Glover from Fox 9 News. Following this, guests were invited to participate in various activities including live music, bocce ball, a silent auction, raffles, contest “Name the Country Flag” and wine tastings.
The evening’s diverse menu carried foods from all over the world. Savory Pukara rice and vegetables from Bukhara Indian Bistro, gyros from Gardens of Salonica, corn bread and maple butter from Redstone Grill, guacamole and chips from Rosa Mexicano, spicy meatballs from Spasso Italian, vegetarian sushi from Sushi Fix, gourmet desserts from Country Cupboard Cake and Café, delicious wines from Woodland Hills Wines and beer from Finnegans Beer were all made available for guests at the benefit from these local vendors.
Doo Da Day performed in the gazebo before the program began. Wayzata Wine & Spirits featured a wine wall, Sue Lund Photography provided event photography and Venture Photography offered portrait services. Near the end of the night, local performing artist and first season contestant on The Voice, Tim Mahoney, performed in honor of the benefit.
Most importantly, ClearCause families shared the stories of their children’s deaths and experiences with various study abroad programs. They described their struggles to gain transparency within study abroad programs and universities around the country. Wendi and John Johnston, parents of Justin Johnston, spoke out for protective laws to be put into place for students studying abroad. They were joined by Mindy Shane, mother of Joshua; Noelle Damon, mother of Zoe; Ros Thackurdeen, mother of Ravi; Elizabeth Brenner, mother of Thomas and Elvis Downes, father of Eric.
Proud sponsors of the event included Global Programs & Strategy Alliance from the University of Minnesota, Woodland Hill Winery, Media Relations, Fox 9, Fly For Good, StuCard, Zinnia, HireAHost, LitinEco, Peacock Promotions, Candlelight Floral, Venture Photography, Sue Lund Photography,  Tech Nick Creative, Wayzata Wine & Spirits, Clarity Sound Design and Vision, Doncaster and TCA Media.