What's New This Week!

SPEAKER: Gemma Sprecher, Program Manager, Minnesota Business Venture

TOPIC: Overview of Programs

Gemma Sprecher is the Program Manager for Minnesota Business Venture (MBV), an overnight experiential learning camp for students who are future-focused and driven to succeed.  Minnesota Business Venture is one of six programs provided by local education, non-profit BestPrep, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.

In her six years at BestPrep, Gemma has worked in Development and Mentoring Programs before heading up MBV.  In her role, she works closely with students to develop their leadership skills and connect them to the business world. She also works with volunteers to help them gain insight into the future workforce and create meaningful relationships with students.

Outside of work, Gemma loves to spend time with her 5-year old son and foster cats and dogs through The Bond Between.

For the meeting of April 1, 2026 there are 20 cards and 1 Jokers. The pot stands at $468.00. Ticket donations are: $1 for 1 ticket; $2 for 3 tickets; $3 for 5 tickets; $5 for 10 tickets; and $10 for 25 tickets. Three lucky winners are chosen each week; the first two tickets drawn win $5, the third winner draws a card from the deck in hopes of pulling an Ace to win a share of the pot.  If a joker is pulled, it will cost the winner a $2 contribution to the pot.  If the Ace of Spades is pulled, the pot is awarded equally to all who have pulled an Ace from the current deck, and the drawing starts over again.  Congratulations Josh Clark for drawing the Ace of Diamonds and Brian Bessler for drawing the Ace of Clubs.  They will be guaranteed 1/4 of the pot!