Photo Gallery: Hundreds Gather for Denim and Diamonds Gala

Eagan Foundation Denim and Diamonds Gala attendees snacked, sipped drinks and visited Tuesday night at the the city's community center.

A wide variety of wines from Perrier Liquors and beers brewed by Granite City Food & Brewery were available; catering was provided by Kowalski's of Eagan.

The annual wine tasting and silent auction drew a larger crowd than last year despite Tuesday's glorious weather, said event spokesperson Laurie Halverson.

The money raised during the silent auction will go toward the Eagan Foundation's community outreach, including scholarship programs, community initiatives and local grant making. This year, the foundation hopes to raise more than $28,000, and items at the the auction ranged from jewels to sports memorabilia to Eagan-themed experiences.

This year's event marked the 20th anniversary of the Eagan Foundation, which began awarding scholarships to Eagan students in 1991.

"We're so proud to be marking 20 years of working to make Eagan the best place to live, learn, work and play. This event helps us to continue that mission -- all money raised goes right to work in our community supporting students and local nonprofits," Patti Engel, Eagan Foundation chair, said. 

The Eagan Foundation has raised and reinvested more than $800,000 in the community. The foundation is supported through donations from area businesses, family foundations, nonprofit organizations and individual contributors.

For more on the foundation, see their website: www.eaganfoundation.org