Family, friends and the Riverland Community College community gathered on Feb. 26 at "A Shining Star, Katie Nelson Remembered," a benefit performance and auction to raise money for an endowment in Nelson's name. The money raised so far is $11,460 with donations still coming.

Endowments of more than $10,000 are gifts invested by the Riverland Foundation. Only the interest funds a specific purpose, in this case an annual scholarship for a "Shining Star."

Nelson, 29, a theater major from Riverland and Minnesota State University, Mankato, was months away from completing her massage therapy degree at Riverland when she died suddenly last March of a brain tumor no one knew she had.

Nelson considered Riverland Theatre, her first theater home, according to her mother, Shirley Nelson, so it was fitting to have the benefit at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre. She also loved her massage therapy classes and many students were on hand during the breaks in the performance to provide massages to some of the 250 patrons attending.

People who had worked with Katie Nelson provided songs and stories honoring many of her past roles and performances. Piggy Blues sold Gelato and Coffee House on Main sold coffee with all proceeds going to the endowment. A silent auction featuring donations from area businesses, individuals and organizations also contributed to the total.

Offsite, Piggy Blues also offered 10 percent of their Feb. 26 and 27 sales from their restaurant in downtown Austin to the Katie Nelson Remembered endowment.

"I'm overwhelmed by how generous everyone was," said Jerry Girton, one of the organizers of the benefit. "I guess that tells us how many people Katie knew and touched in her short life. The best part is that many future students will benefit by this endowment for years to come. Katie would have liked that."

Girton said that donations are still coming to him daily. To donate to the Katie Nelson Remembered endowment, make checks payable to Riverland Foundation –KNR and send it to Riverland Community College, ATTN: Jerry Girton, 1600 8^th Avenue NW, Austin, MN 55912.

Any person or group interested in creating a similar endowment to fund a specific purpose or area of need is encouraged to contact the Riverland Foundation at 507-433-0630.

The Riverland Community College Foundation raises, manages, and distributes resources to support, enhance, and promote the educational opportunities Riverland Community College offers the people of the region. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the Foundation is able to provide scholarship dollars, enhance learning opportunities for students, and assist in supporting projects that enrich lives and the vitality of the region.