A night for the museum
by March 6, 2011 12:17 pm 95 views
story and photos by Ruby Dean
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The Fort Smith Museum of History presented their largest annual fundraiser, "Mardi Gras, The Best Party In Town" on Friday (Mar. 4), at the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall.
More than 400 party goers and supporters of the Fort Smith Museum of History came dressed in costume to help raise money for the museum. Revelers enjoyed cocktails, an authentic Cajun dinner, a live auction and dancing.
The live auction featured magnificent trips and parties awarded to the highest bidder. In addition to the live auction, there was a raffle for a chance at a $2,000 shopping spree to Newton’s Jewelers in addition to other items.
"This is the main fundraiser for the museum," said Leisa Gramlich, executive director of the museum. "The money is used for the museum’s operating expenses. We hope to raise $40,000. Last year, the fundraiser raised $32,000.”
Tickets were sold out for the event. More tables were sold this year compared to last with more attending this year’s event.
Before the live auction began, a Cajun dinner was served buffet style including the traditional bread pudding. Soon after the traditional dinner, auctioneer Doug Schwartz and emcee Daren Bobb kept the evening moving as they encouraged bidders during the live auction.
After the live auction, Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screamin’ Radishes took to the stage and provided dance music.
The details in making this event work takes about three months to plan.
Gramlich said, "It’s always fun. There are masks, trinkets, beads and great auction items.”
Included in the live auction were trips to Florida and New Mexico. The most popular item in the live auction was the German Oktoberfest at Kenny and Diane King’s fabulous home as the setting for a wundabar evening for up to 50 people.
