WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University will present the 19th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 9.
The beneficiary of this year’s formal dance — open to the public — is Joseph Row of Winona. Joseph is the 11-year-old son of Darren Row who teaches in the Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics Department of Saint Mary’s University. Darren and his wife, Jill (Arens) Row are also alumni of Saint Mary’s (Darren obtaining a bachelor’s degree in 1999 and a master’s degree in 2000, and Jill earning her bachelor’s degree in 1999).
Joseph was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2018 and faces a three-year course of treatments. Proceeds from the dance — and a silent auction — will assist the Row family with medical expenses and travel costs.
The theme of the evening will be “Super Joseph’s World.” The Hall of Fame Room in the Toner Student Center will be transformed into the Mushroom Kingdom, complete with a Mario Kart photo booth and video game stations.
The dance, featuring music by the Johnny Holm Band, will be held in the gymnasium. Ticket prices are $15 for students, $20 for faculty and staff, and $25 for the general public and are available at smumn.universitytickets.com. Dance tickets will also be available at the door.
A silent auction will be held on campus from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 7-8. A variety of homemade goods, gift baskets, and specialty items will be on display in the Common Room, located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. The public is welcome to bid. Donations are still needed.
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.