ORAM’s Fourth Annual Minneapolis Event Makes a Lasting Impact as Our Most Successful Fundraiser

ORAM hosted our first fundraising event in Minneapolis — home to our U.S. headquarters— on a brisk October afternoon in 2022 at one of our top supporter’s home. At the end of that reception, our generous host made one request: that it become an annual occasion. 

True to our word, ORAM’s team has brought autumn fundraising back to the Twin Cities each year — experimenting with formats, partnerships, and styles. We’re thrilled to share that ORAM’s 2025 Minneapolis event, Reclaiming Resilience - Livelihoods Making a Lasting Impact, not only marked our most successful Twin Cities event yet, but also brought in over $60,000 in donations—our highest total to date. 

This event was designed to celebrate and support the life‑changing impact of ORAM’s economic empowerment program for LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers. Staff and our dedicated host committee met months in advance to brainstorm meaningful ways to engage our Twin Cities community and one idea rose above the rest: food. 

We sought out local chefs who deeply aligned with our work and were honored when one of our top supporters introduced us to Chef Diane Moua of Diane's Place. In September 2025, Diane’s Place was named not only one of The New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants in America but also Food & Wine Magazine’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year. 

To offer multiple engagement points for our community, we hosted two distinct events: a private dinner at Diane’s Place and, the next morning, a hybrid panel discussion featuring ORAM clients and staff connected with our economic empowerment programs. 

The private dinner, co‑hosted by former ORAM board member and longtime supporters Rich & Lynn Voelbel, featured a five‑course meal at Diane’s Place. We were honored to welcome Onics Bukenya — former ORAM client and now Senior Employment Specialist at the International Rescue Committee in Tacoma, Washington — to join us.  

We were also grateful Chef Diane stopped by to say hello and thank guests for coming out to support ORAM and the LGBTIQ refugees we serve. Enjoy photos from the dinner! 

The next morning, over breakfast prepared by Diane’s Place, our panel discussion featured Onics in person and, virtually, Winfred Wangari (ORAM's East Africa Program Manager), current clients in Kenya, and a former participant in ORAM’s Europe initiative. Moderated by Executive Director Steve Roth, the discussion emphasized how livelihoods help LGBTIQ refugees in transit countries rebuild their lives and uplift others in their communities.  

Please enjoy photos from our breakfast panel discussion event! 

We extend heartfelt thanks to our generous, committed host committee members: Anne Campbell, Daniel Duty, Gerry Tyrell & Kevin Reuther, John Sullivan, Kat Yushchenko, Nicki Hangsleben, Perry & Cindy Witkin, Rich & Lynn Voelbel, Steve Roth, and Steven Walker. And thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and supported this event. 

Click here to visit our Flickr with more photos from each event segment! If you’re interested in supporting ORAM’s Reclaiming Resilience Event and celebrating the life-changing impact of our economic empowerment programs, click the button below.  

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