2008 "Treasures" Holiday Gala at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

The Gala was a huge success. We raised over $31,000 through sponsorships, dinner reservations, cash donations and the Live and Silent Auctions. These funds are used for area children's art education programs, funds for area school teachers, scholarships for schools and art camps, plus education materials and equipment related to art.

The scrumptious Hors d'oeuvres were provided by the Mabee-Gerrer Museum Volunteers. The dinner and the dessert bar were catered by Chicago Street Deli and entertainment was provided by keyboardist, Fernando Castro and quartet "Restored".

A few of the large auction bids were:

$2000 for Hors d'oeuvres & Drink Party for 16 people donated by Dr. Grant & Mrs. Erin McClune.

$2,500 for a Five Course Dinner for 12 donated by Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B. and Br. Damian Whalen, O.S.B. with wine donated by Bottoms Up Liquor

$2,000 for a 4day/3nights stay at the luxurious beach-front home donated by Nancy Bodard

$6,350 for the "Fund-a-Program" by 33 people

The largest item of the night, "Fund-a-Program" was a chance for the Gala attendees to help fund scholarships for the Museum's After School Art and Summer Camp programs, as well as admission assistance for area schools.  Everyone could bid, or donate, at a level of their choosing.  Bids ranged from $100 to $1,000 with a total of 33 people bidding. 

In the Museum's After School Art program, students view great works of art from the Museum collection and create art in order to increase creativity, language arts, math and science skills, as well as have fun.

In order to make it easier for schools to visit the museum, some funds will be used to lower the cost or waive the admission fee.  In addition to schools from Pottawatomie County, schools from as far away as Edmond and Ada regularly visit the museum.  Nearly 4,000 school kids visit each year.

Thank you to all of you! This event was a success because of YOU!!!