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Dinner Honors We Day Organizers

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Before We Day Minnesota kicks off Wednesday, the people behind the event celebrated those who made it possible.

We Day Minnesota, which will begin Wednesday, is an event complete with a concert and speakers for 500 schools and 18,000 students at Xcel Energy Center.

Students were not able to buy a ticket; they had to earn one through an act of service locally and globally.

The night before We Day Minnesota is reserved for a lot of celebration and thanks.

"Tonight, we're celebrating the people who made We Day possible for the 18,000 students gathering tomorrow," Craig Kielburger, co-founder of We Day, said.

Among the crowd were founders, sponsors and even a few famous faces.

"It's just a wonderful organization," Magic Johnson, two-time Hall of Famer and We Day speaker, said. "I love being a part of it because they're saving people's lives and touching people's lives all at the same time."

"From me to we, that's what it's all about," Martin Sheen, award-winning actor and activist, said. "It's not about me, it's about we. Together we can do great things."

"It's been absolutely amazing," Ellie Stillman, a student and executive producer assistant, said. "The energy coming toward We Day has been so high, especially among kids my age and in high school. I really want people to understand that yes, it's a concert and it's fun, but really...the whole meaning is to really thank kids for what they're doing. And to make kids realize that what they're doing is changing the world."

"When you see those 18,000 kids tomorrow they know that it's not only cool to change the world, but possible to change the world. And that's empowering for kids," Kielburger said.

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