Attendees of this year’s “Da Ladies Nite Out” are in for a special treat as the Elgin Knights of Columbus celebrate a milestone, the 20th year of the event.
According to Grand Knight Jerry Heithoff, over twenty years ago, Father Owen Korte made a suggestion to the Knights. “He saw somewhere that a men’s group did an event just for women,” said Heithoff. Fr. Korte thought that would be a great idea for the council to do here in Elgin.
Let the planning begin.
That first event was held in the St. Boniface Auditorium on April 16, 1996 and was dubbed “A Spring Fiesta”. According to the April 24, 1996 issue of The Elgin Review, over 300 ladies attended and Philip Stoltz was the chief chef. Eddie Starman provided dinner music while “da ladies” dined on Taco Salad followed by dessert of a lemon torte. The evening’s servers were members of the Elgin Knights of Columbus council, dressed in formal attire. The Clearwater Barber Shop Quartet serenaded the crowd following dinner. Next up was the main event. Featured speaker Joan Burney from Hartington shared stories how, no matter your age, or station in life, what you have gone through or what you are currently going through, the two most important things to retain are faith in God and a sense of humor. – excerpt from The Elgin Review.
Jump ahead to now, twenty years later. Juli Burney, Joan’s daughter, will be the featured speaker at this year’s event. Juli was also the featured speaker in 2008. This year, she will be bringing someone special with her, Joan.
“I am excited to be with Mom to celebrate this 20 years,” Juli told The Elgin Review. “Mom and I worked together on several occasions before she had her stroke in 2013. Since then she has been unable to give speeches because the stroke caused aphasia (struggle to speak correct words) which has really been something for a woman who made her living with words. She continues to be a role model however, with a positive attitude and a great sense of humor about her struggles,” she continued. Reflecting on Joan’s message at the first Da Ladies Nite Out, one would have to say the woman “talks the talk and walks the walk”.
Because of the effects of the stroke, Joan’s participation will likely be limited. According to Juli, “She will get up and say ‘hello’ that evening but I’m not sure how much else. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring her for this and she is very excited about coming to share in the celebration. This will be the first time we have shared an event like this since the stroke!”
But wait, there’s more! Grand Knight Heithoff says that Father Korte and Father Bernie Starman will also be returning for the night’s festivities. Sadly, some of the key players in that first event are gone….Phil, Eddie and more. The Knight’s would like to encourage those who attended that first event to return this year. Join your friends and family – reminisce about that night many years ago and enjoy this year’s celebration.
Doors will open at 6 pm on Wednesday, March 30 at the Elgin Knights of Columbus Hall. The dinner will be served at 6:30 pm. Tickets are on sale at Dean’s Market, Lordemann Insurance, The Elgin Review or from a member of the Knights.
