Ultimate Beach Party and Weigh-In

Who: Supporters of Northwestern Health Sciences University and Starkey Hearing Foundation
When: Friday, June 13
Where: Lord Fletcher's, Lake Minnetonka
Why: Sun, suds, and two great organizations—why the heck not?
Pre-Starkey Buzz: Before he posed for the photo, UFC vet Nick "The Goat" Thompson was working his cell phone, trying to confirm a rumor that Michael Bolton would be singing at someone's house later that night. "He wants to prove he can pick Bolton up," said his buddy Nathan Johnson. (Note: Bolton did perform in Starkey founder Bill Austin's garage Friday night, hope you found it Nick!.)

TGIFletchers. Seriously, is there any better way to end a week than at a beachside bash at one of the western suburbs' hottest spots—the beer, the boats, the blonds? For the hundreds of people who said sayonara to their workweek and hit the deck to support NWHSU and Starkey for a little warm-up to the annual star-studded gala, So the World May Hear, the eighty degree temps, sunny skies, chance to win a $25,000 Ranger boat, and refreshments from sponsor Bacardi made for a perfect cocktail. From friends of the University to fans of the fishermen (who hit the choppy lake at 6 a.m. trying to score some large-mouth trophies), everyone seemed happy to sit back for some casual conversation, shedding their stress and suits for sundresses, sunglasses, and shorts. The word of the day? Relax. You're on Lake Minnetonka—everything seems a little better here.