The following story appeared in the August 25 Idaho Catholic Register.
The “St. Gertrude Gospel Quartet” opened the Raspberry Social with song.
Left to right, oblate Mary Ann Glodowski, Sister Barbara Jean Glodowski, Sister Barbara Ann Bielenberg, oblate Kathy Hedberg. (Courtesy photo/Julie A. Ferraro)
By Julie A. Ferraro
for the ICR
August 6 carried a threat of rain on the Camas Prairie, but the weather held for the 2023 Raspberry Social, bringing hundreds to the Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood.
This fundraiser for the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude featured Living History characters, who told their stories to those coming through the museum to learn about the Benedictine Sisters’ journey from Switzerland to Idaho, and the overall history of the region.
Musicians serenaded the festivities which included a wide selection of arts and crafts vendors – even alpacas. Some of the Sisters gave tours of the chapel, explaining its history as the center of the monastery’s prayer life.
In preparation for the fundraiser, Sisters and volunteers picked raspberries on the monastery hillside for weeks. The raspberry shortcake was extremely popular, and the raspberry popcorn sold out early. Crowds gathered for the raffle drawing in the afternoon, where items hand-made by the Sisters and Oblates were presented, along with donated prizes like Seattle Mariners tickets.
Making the raspberry shortcake was just as much fun as eating it, as volunteers Mary Jayne Minnette (left) and Lisa Radakovich can attest. (Courtesy photo/Julie A. Ferraro)
The entire community at the Center for Benedictine Life expressed gratitude for the many sponsors, volunteers, and those who attended the Raspberry Social, making the day a blessing for all.
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