Glitz, glamour and Gosling: DL Jaycees stagette fundraiser draws nearly 200 to Holmes Theatre

IMG_9701 (2).JPG — Emily Volesky, left, of Detroit Lakes, and Amber Abraham, of Detroit Lakes, smile for a photo against a shimmering backdrop during the Detroit Lakes Jaycees' Red Carpet Stagette at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

By Michael Achterling

February 06, 2023 at 3:57 PM

DETROIT LAKES — Nearly 200 sleek and sparkling women crowded into the ballroom at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on Saturday to walk the red carpet at the Jaycees annual stagette.

IMG_9910 (2).JPG — Event attendees smile in front of a shimmering backdrop during the Detroit Lakes Jaycees' Red Carpet Stagette at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

IMG_0002 (2).JPG — Women dance during the Detroit Lakes Jaycees' Red Carpet Stagette at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

The Feb. 4 event was a women's only affair and featured party games for raffle tickets, door prizes, and all the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood cocktail party, including an appearance from a life-size Ryan Gosling cardboard cutout. The large stand-up of the Canadian-born actor was auctioned off at the end of the night and went home with one lucky event attendee.

Carly Kohout, event organizer and Detroit Lakes Jaycees community development vice president, said the team at the Holmes Theatre did a terrific job renovating their ballroom and the space seemed to accentuate the red carpet-like atmosphere for the evening.

IMG_9791 (2).JPG — Event attendees smile in front of a shimmering backdrop during the Detroit Lakes Jaycees' Red Carpet Stagette at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

IMG_9670 (2).JPG — Maureen Lilleby, of Lake Park, Minn., places an Oscar on a cardboard cutout of Ryan Gosling while blindfolded during the Detroit Lakes Jaycees' Red Carpet Stagette at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

"They knew we were going to do the Stagette here," laughed Kohout.

She also said events like the stagette are important fundraisers so the Jaycees can continue their volunteer and event work throughout the year.

IMG_9771 (2).JPG — Katie Willie, of Frazee, Minn., picks a stick for raffle tickets during the Detroit Lakes Jaycees' Red Carpet Stagette at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

IMG_9849 (2).JPG — Event attendees smile with their pudding cups, provided by Lakeside Catering, during the Detroit Lakes Jaycees' Red Carpet Stagette at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

"We just want to give back to the community, the kids," said Kohout.

She also said the Jaycees will be hosting a "Glow Night" on Feb. 15 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., outside of The Pavilion in Detroit Lakes, as part of Detroit Lakes' Polar Fest, which runs from Feb. 10 to Feb. 26 .

"Hopefully it's not super cold this year," said Kahout. "We're going to have glow-up lights, glasses, just fun things for the kids, and some activities for them. Some snacks and then some hot cocoa and hot cider, so just a fun little family event."

IMG_9754 (2).JPG — Event attendees peruse the raffle prizes during the Detroit Lakes Jaycees' Red Carpet Stagette at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

IMG_9820 (2).JPG — Event attendees make plates from a taco bar during the Detroit Lakes Jaycees' Red Carpet Stagette at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

The Detroit Lakes Jaycees are a nonprofit volunteer and development organization for anyone between 19 to 40 years old. For more information about joining Jaycees, contact the group through their Facebook page .

Kahout said she was a guest at a couple of Jaycees Christmas parties before she actually joined the group and thinks the group has a lot to offer young adults in the community in terms of networking and just making friends.

"It took me a little bit to join, but I'm really glad I did," she said. "It's a great way to meet new people, it's perfect for that, if you are new to the area. And just volunteering is always kinda fun for me too."