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Old Sturbridge Village Gala Doubles Goal, |
| More than 230 attendees raise funds to support OSV school programs |
| STURBRIDGE, Mass. (Sept. 18): After a careful final tally, the committee organizing the recent Old Sturbridge Village Gala announced today that the event netted $90,000 for OSV – nearly double the anticipated goal. Event chair Ann Marie Argitis of Sturbridge called the amount raised “extraordinary,” and said volunteers are already making plans for next year’s event.
“This is a stunning accomplishment, especially for a first-year event,” said Old Sturbridge Village Chief Executive Officer Jim Donahue. He confirmed that the $90,000 figure represents the net amount raised after expenses were factored in. “The volunteer committee worked tirelessly for a year to plan this event, and we are deeply grateful for their hard work and support.” The formal OSV Gala held on Sept. 13 drew more than 230 supporters from as far away as New Jersey and Maine, and attracted scores of additional donations from Village supporters who could not attend in person. Proceeds from the event will support Old Sturbridge Village’s educational outreach programs, and its programs in collections, agriculture and preservation. “The gala’s success underscores how much people love Old Sturbridge Village and how generous they can be – giving both time and money – to support such a good cause,”Argitis said. “We received tremendous support from friends and businesses in the area.” One major surprise was the amount of money sent in by people who donated despite being unable to attend the gala. Nearly $17,000 was donated by people who knew they couldn’t come, but wanted to support the gala anyway, organizers said. Because of this, the committee will continue to accept gala donations by phone or mail through the end of September. For information, contact Shelly Carey at 508-347-0210 by phone or send her an email. The gala had a political theme, with the slogan “Let’s Keep the Ball Rolling,” a metaphor both for continuing Old Sturbridge Village’s recent turn-around, and a nod to the presidential election season and the 1840 presidential campaign ball from OSV’s collection, which was on display for the evening. Indeed, both presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and John McCain made “appearances” at the OSV gala – in the form of life-sized cardboard cut-outs that accompanied politically-themed auction items, among them a U.S. flag flown over Mt. Vernon, and a day at the Massachusetts State House with lunch and a tour courtesy of State Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre). The top-grossing auction item of the evening was a Vespa scooter donated by Mike Cimini, owner of Yankee Spirits. Other unique auction items that sparked spirited but friendly competitive bidding included an Old Sturbridge Village Hitchcock-style “Signature Chair,” crafted by Sturbridge artist Tim Bardsley, and a dinner for eight featuring regional cuisine and wines of Italy, donated by the Educated Grape and Chris Rovezzi, owner of Rovezzi’s Restaurant. Another highlight of the evening was a chance to view rare artifacts from the Old Sturbridge Village Collection that are not on permanent public view, due to their fragility, rarity, or need for a temperature-controlled environment. Artifacts on view at the gala included a circa 1780 silver embroidered vest, an 18th-century embroidered coverlet, an 1845 painting of the Joel Jennings homestead in Brookfield, an 1824 “Welcome Lafayette” snare drum, and a Hitchcock-style Windsor “Fancy” chair made by Walter Corey in Portland, Maine between 1836-1841. “Part of the fun was seeing people all dressed up as if they were going to the Academy Awards,” Argitis said. “It really added an air of excitement to the evening.” Sponsors of the gala included Yankee Spirits, Bollus Lynch, Xtra Mart Convenience Stores, Schmidt Equipment, and Hometown Bank, along with dozens of other corporate benefactors. The Gala, held at the Village’s Oliver Wight Tavern, featured cocktails, dining, and outdoor dancing to the music of Four Guys in Tuxes. Old Sturbridge Village celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is open year round -- daily 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. seven days a week through the fall. Admission, which includes a second visit free within 10 days, is: $20; seniors $18; children 3-17, $7; children under 3, free. For information: www.osv.org or call 1-800-733-1830. # # #
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