On January 19, 2025, the Atons of Minneapolis held their annual Officer Installation Banquet at Brit’s Pub in Minneapolis. This cherished event celebrates our new officers, members, and associates, provides special recognition, and gives us an opportunity to dress up and come together as a community.
Following a lively social hour, outgoing 2024 president Kevin F. welcomed members, associates, and guests. He then introduced the incoming 2025 president, Henry S.T.
You can read Henry’s speech here.
After dinner, we swore in the new 2025 Officers: President Henry S.T., Vice President Dennis T., Secretary Will B., and Treasurer Josh K.
The Atons have a long-standing tradition of honoring individuals who make significant contributions to our community, offer unwavering support, and extend their friendship to the Atons and beyond. This evening, we celebrated and recognized their impact.
2025 Friend of the Atons
Our first 2025 Friend of the Atons award goes to someone unforgettable—one of the filthiest, fuzziest, cum guzzling sluts many of us have had the pleasure of knowing. You might recognize Ren from his years of service at the Saloon or his welcoming presence behind the bar at Atons events and other community gatherings. We are immensely grateful for all that he brings to our shared spaces. Please join us in recognizing Ren R.
(Following the event, a few members and associates visited Ren at the Saloon to present his award to him.)
Our second 2025 Friend of the Atons award goes to someone who literally shines a light on our community by polishing our boots and keeping our leathers looking their best. As a skilled and dedicated bootblack, Teddy has been a familiar presence at our bar nights, ensuring we all put our best foot forward. We are proud to honor Teddy H.
Teddy couldn’t attend this evening, but we’ll make sure to present her award soon and thank her for her invaluable contributions to the Atons and our community.
2025 Atons Associate Excellence Award
This year’s Atons Associate Excellence Award goes to someone who truly exemplifies the spirit of showing up, doing the work, and supporting the community. One of the busiest people in our broader circles—both on stage and off—Tristan W. has been a familiar face at our events and Runs, always stepping up to lend a hand, even before becoming an Atons associate nearly two and a half years ago.
Now, as Tristan continues on his pledge path to full club membership, we want to recognize his dedication, hard work, and the example he sets for all of us. Tristan, thank you for embodying the spirit of excellence. We are proud to honor you tonight.
Honorary Associate Award:
This gentleman has been an Atons associate for over 17 years and is a cofounder of Masters and Slaves Together Twin Cities, as well as a former member of the Minnesota Leather Pride board. Along with his partner, Riches, he is a steadfast presence at Atons events and Runs, always demonstrating his dedication to the community. Each year, they anchor the giant Minnesota Leather Pride flag during the Twin Cities Pride parade.
We are proud to name Sergeant Major Rich H. as our newest Honorary Associate Member.
Honorary Atons Members
The next awards represent a very special honor, given out only a handful of times in the past 52+ years.
This award is a rare and prestigious honor. Riches began her leather journey over 20 years ago under the guidance of her master, Sergeant Major, and the mentorship of many other leather men and women. Over the years, she has devoted herself to learning, sharing knowledge, and upholding the traditions and values of leather in life and relationships.
Riches has been a board member and past president of Minnesota Leather Pride, an Atons associate for 17 years, and the founder (with Sergeant Major) of MAsT: Twin Cities in 2006. She also produces a submissives-only retreat that has been held for the past decade. While she is often soft-spoken, she is known for making her voice heard when it matters most—but that’s a story for another time!
Please join us in welcoming Riches as our newest Honorary Atons Member.
Our next honoree first encountered leather in a Southern mall, browsing racks in a Western store. Today, he owns a leather shop, bringing leather and community to people of all ages. Whether creating and selling leather, running Twin Cities Leather Weekend, emceeing community events, cheering on amateur strippers at the Saloon, or building a beautiful home with his husband Paul, Karri exemplifies the spirit of leather.
As a long-time friend and associate of the Atons, Karri has consistently provided wise counsel and guidance, demonstrating the importance of leather family and the role of clubs like ours. We are proud to name Karri Joe P. as an Honorary Atons Member.
You can view more photos from the event here.
