WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s 18th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance and silent auction raised $7,332 (and counting) for this year’s recipient, Jennifer Martinson.
Martinson has been battling ongoing medical issues this year. She has had three major surgeries and ongoing appointments at Gundersen Health Care and Mayo Clinic in an effort to help her manage chronic pain in her arm and shoulder. Her ongoing medical expenses and lost wages are a burden on her single-income household, which includes her 15-year-old son. Proceeds from the dance and silent auction will help Martinson and her family. Martinson is the sister of Deborah Piscitiello of the Saint Mary’s Business Department.
The dance, which was open to the public, took place on March 10 and featured music by the Johnny Holm Band. A silent auction was held on campus March 8 and 9, which included a variety of homemade goods, gift baskets, and specialty items available to bid on.
The benefit has become an annual student tradition since its start in 2001 in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of Saint Mary’s staff member Nikki Richmond. Each year this event benefits someone in need who has ties to the university community.
Photo caption: Jennifer Martinson, this year’s Taylor Richmond Benefit recipient, right, was joined by her sister, Deborah Piscitiello, left, and her mother, Judy Stoltman.