It was a formal gathering Saturday night at the Lake Region Heritage Center. Attendees dressed their best for a gala that was held to honor those who have helped support the center. Activities during the gala included a live auction, with the money going to the museum. Entertainment for the evening was a talent show that involved everything from hand games to reading poetry written by Jimmy Stewart to musical performances. The winner of the talent show, Valerie Sampson, performed a song. She was selected by members of the audience who “voted” for their favorite performance of the night.
The theme of the gala was “The Secret Garden.” “The Secret Garden” is a children’s book written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. An acclaimed movie based on the book was made in 1993.
The live auction items included furniture, artwork, and books. One of the auction items included a painting done at the gala by Bonnie Crosby in 12 minutes. An antique cabinet sold for the most at $1,000.
Lisa Crosby, Director of the Lake Region Heritage Center, said she thought the gala “went really, really well.”
“It was probably the most fun gala and the prettiest we’ve ever had with the help of Cheryl Peterson and her fabulous decor,” she said.
Crosby added that normally, a theme isn’t done for the fundraisers. She said “The Secret Garden” theme was picked by a committee. A previous theme that the gala put on was a murder mystery.
Crosby said that there won’t be a gala for next year’s fundraiser, as the Chamber will be having a formal fundraiser for its 100th anniversary.
“I don’t feel that two formal events will be necessary. So our fundraiser will be less formal next year.”
Crosby said she wanted to “thank everyone for coming.”
“We really appreciate the support of the community and look forward to all the events in the coming year.”
