Museum meeting and gala a big success

To the Editor:

It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes loyal members to produce a successful fundraiser, and that is exactly what occurred Aug. 1 at the Putnam County Museum's EIghth Annual Meeting and Gala.

Over 85 enthusiastic members were in attendance, enjoying each other's company, participating in the silent auction, enjoying the refreshments, and applauding the guest speaker.

They also approved the new members of the Board of Directors, Jason Hartman, Marie Hopwood, Emily Knuth, Mickey Meehan, Patty McCastle and Ellie Ypma. Officers of the Board for the coming year were announced: Diana LaViolette, president; Rick Provine, vice president; Ellie Ypma, secretary; Patty McCastle, treasurer.

Many persons contributed to the success of this event. Thanks to co-chair Ellie Ypma and to Marj Peeler who helped with the table decorations, all of which were items from the museum's collections with a little history thrown in; our energetic staff greeted people when they arrived and worked tirelessly throughout; DePauw Catering and Campus and Conference Events again provided good food and great support; a number of museum members carted auction items from the museum to the Union Building; the donors of the items for the auction were generous; Jane Hanson, from Putnam Inn, was as always friendly and efficient and was ably assisted by John Dittmer; Tom Hamm gave a talk that was both educational and entertaining; and of course all who attended and those who carried home a treasure or two, were instrumental in the success of the evening.

Special thanks to our donors: Almost Home and Final Approach Bistro; Autumn Glen at Greencastle; Cunningham Insurance; Dave's Heating and Cooling; Bob Hardwick (Edward Jones Investments); Dr. Dennis Knuth (Greencastle Hometown Dental); Richard Hall (Hall Koehler, P.C.); HOP Technologies; Parke County REMC; St. Vincent's Physicians Network; Walden Inn and Conference Center.

This was the most successful Gala ever. We look forward to bigger and better things next year because the Putnam County Museum's members are the best!

Sally Gray

Gala Chair