Bri’s Lodge to host ‘Classic Casino’ fundraiser

by Dennis Dalman

The Waite-Park based Bri’s Lodge will host a fundraising event from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn in St. Cloud. The name of the event is the Classic Casino Fundraiser.

Bri’s Lodge is named in memory of a young Sartell woman, BriAnna Kruzel, who died at age 18 in 2013.

To obtain tickets for the Classic Casino Fundraiser, visit the following website: brislodge.com. Donations can also be made on that site or by mailing a check to “Bri’s Lodge,” 406 Great Oak Drive, Waite Park, MN 56387.

At the fundraiser, there will be lots of appetizers, bar service, music, a silent auction and – of course – casino games. Some participants may want to book a nightly stayover at the motel.

Bri’s Lodge helps people cope with loss, supports their healing, nurtures their physical and emotional well-being and brings hope for the future. The Lodge’s motto is “No one should grieve alone.” The Lodge offers facilitated grief groups, one-on-one companioning for emotional support and the “Horses Healing Hearts” equine therapy program. It also hosts the annual Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil, providing a sacred space to honor and remember loved ones.

New developments planned for Bri’s Lodge include a curriculum to help school counselors support grieving children, enhancing the children’s grief companion room with grant funding and establishing a healing touch and massage room for emotional comfort.

“We are thrilled to invite our community to a night of fun and generosity where every hand dealt and every bid placed brings hope to those experiencing loss,” said Tami Kruzel, Bri’s Lodge’s executive director. “With the support of compassionate individuals, families, and businesses, we can create a space where healing is possible.”

Gift of Giving

BriAnna Kruzel, 18, was a Sartell resident who died suddenly at her home of an unknown cause on Sept. 28, 2013. Her parents, Tami and Randy, along with others, started a charitable group dubbed “What Would Bri Do?” One of its major achievements was the founding of Bri’s Lodge, a grieving center for those who’ve lost loved ones.

BriAnna was an avid Girl Scout and loved working with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Not long before her passing, she won the High School Big Sister of the Year award. She enjoyed doing volunteer work and was a talented member of the Sartell Community Ed Dance program.

The charitable group founded in BriAnna’s name has distributed more than $50,000 to people and organizations in need, including the groups BriAnna most cared about.