April 25, 2023
The annual Tables du Jour fundraiser was back for the 17th time at Mayville State University Saturday morning, April 22, 2023 in the Campus Center Luckasen Room. Weeks and months of planning by many talented and hard-working table designer/hosts and hostesses culminated in a fabulous event for about 180 guests who attended. The tradition of over-the-top Tables du Jour creativity continued to impress guests.
The decorating frenzy began Thursday morning, April 20, and by Friday evening, April 21, all was ready. A preview, revealing a room filled with 21 lavishly decorated tables, was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Those who attended were able to enjoy a taste of what was to come in the main Tables du Jour event that would be held the next day. A door prize was provided by All Seasons Garden Center in Grand Forks, N.D.
Coordinated by Sheryl Vinje and Jackee Lerol, the preview event offered a relaxing and enjoyable way to view the spectacular tables while enjoying delicious treats, wine provided by the Top Hat, and lovely musical entertainment by Dee von Ruden. The $15-per-person admission charge contributed to the event purpose of raising scholarship funds for Mayville State University and its students.
Proceeds from the 2023 Tables du Jour event will be directed to the academic scholarship fund at Mayville State University. Academic scholarships are critical to attracting and retaining students at Mayville State, and every dollar raised through Tables du Jour will help students’ dreams of an education come true.
As promised, attendees were treated to a morning of fun, great food, and creative table themes. Each of the tables featured in the spectacular occasion was decorated with its own special theme. Some tables were entertaining, others were elegant, some were sentimental or awakened memories, and still others just plain made a person smile or even giggle.
Table designers were charged with coming up with a theme and decorating a table, providing everything from the table linens, dishes, and flatware to the many “extras” that made each table special, including party favors. The table designers were also responsible for selling the $40 admission tickets to a total of eight people, including themselves, who would attend the event and enjoy having brunch at their tables.
Table themes and designers included the following: Garden Party by Lori Morkve; The Wild Wild West by Lori Morkve; Beautifall by Jackie and Stephen Kuhle; Southern Charm by Kaliann Behrens; Come Sail Away by Marsha Behrens; Teatime, MaryJane? by Pam Sedler; If the Shoe Fits by Molly Lenaburg; Bike Ride by Molly Lenaburg; You’re the One That I Want! by Beth Swenson; Ahh, the Memories by Bob and Becky Kozojed; Blue Christmas by Cheryl Conway; Winter Wonderland by Mary Iverson; Precious Moments by Cheryl Angen; Telling the Truth by Heidi Krivarchka; 
Chicken Coop by Rita Lang; Corks & Canvas by Jeni Peterson and Allison Johnson; Inspirations from LaVonne by Ann Willeson and Connie Kaldor; Pioneer Woman by Toni Jacobson; Harmony and Peace by Aiko Hatano and Annie B. McMahon; Moonlight Over Manhattan by Lori Morkve; and Winter Greetings by Kaliann Behrens.
Saturday morning activities included about an hour and a half of viewing the amazing tables, a silent auction, and raffle event. Jackie Kuhle, Lori Morkve, Beth Swenson, Betsy Ewen, Annette Bakken, and Linda Baier teamed up to present a silent auction event. The auction featured lots of fabulous items on which to bid. The items had been donated by table designers, as well as community members and businesses and others.
A raffle event was also part of this year’s Tables du Jour activities. Prizes included a 55” smart TV, a diamond bracelet, a Cuisinart countertop convection oven, and a Dooney and Bourke purse. Sponsors and contributors to the raffle event were Inspec, Nilson Brand Law Office, Rosie Thoreson, Marsha Behrens, Crown Jewels, and Mayville State alumni and friends.
Musical entertainment was provided by vocalist and Mayville State student Bethany Holter from McCanna, N.D., and pianist Dee von Ruden, who provided selections during the time of table viewing. Mayville State junior Lauryn Wolfgram from Thompson, N.D. provided her reflections as a student and scholarship recipient.
Champagne was provided compliments of Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops of Grand Forks and Fargo. Jeff Miller of Miller’s Fresh Foods provided his support, as did Soholt Bakery of Mayville. The brunch meal was catered by Bryan Karolus and MSU Dining Services staff. Delicious desserts and beverages were provided by table designers. Amber Hart of Countryside Creations in Mayville contributed door prizes.
Tables du Jour 2023 was organized and coordinated by committee members Lori Morkve, Kaliann Behrens, Marsha Behrens, Jackie Kuhle, and Beth Swenson.
“We at Mayville State University are incredibly grateful for all who worked together to make Tables du Jour 2023 a big-time success,” said Beth Swenson, MSU Director of Alumni Affairs, Marketing & Public Relations. “The event is a huge mix of generosity, creativity, hard work, dedication, planning, teamwork, and fun, all for a great cause. We thank everyone involved. No matter the role, each and every person’s part contributed to a wonderful end result.”
Photo Captions
Top: Lori Morkve didn’t miss a single detail in designing this table titled “Wild Wild West” that was created in memory of her brother, Doug Morkve.
Second: Aiko Hatano and Annie B. McMahon teamed up to design this Japanese theme table titled “Harmony & Peace.”
Third: Beauty and elegance prevailed at Lori Morkve’s table titled “Garden Party.”
Fourth: LaVonne Christianson’s beautiful dishes provided the inspiration for this table designed by her daughter, Connie Kaldor, and Ann Willeson.
Fifth: Even Bob Ross (aka Allison Johnson) got in on the fun at Tables du Jour 2023! This table, designed by Allison Johnson and Jeni Peterson, was titled “Corks & Canvas.” Guests at the table created their own masterpieces while enjoying the event.
Bottom: Eight Pink Ladies enjoyed a 50s throwback celebration at this table titled “You’re the One That I Want.” The table was designed by Beth Swenson.