Cannonball Gala at KTM&HC Honors Joel Third and Raises Funds for Museum

Back and better than ever! The 2022 Cannonball Gala at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center made its in-person comeback this past Friday, May 20 to great acclaim.

The sold-out event was attended by some 150 people who spent a wonderful evening enjoying gourmet food and drinks seated in the Garden House and the tented walled garden in spite of intermittent rain. The Gala celebrated its 28^th year by honoring Joel Third, a longtime supporter of KTM&HC who has made a significant positive impact on the museum over decades of involvement.  

Attendees dined on hand-passed hors d’oeuvres and delicious meals by caterer Chef Michael A. Bick and were entertained during cocktail hour by members of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra’s jazz ensemble. Auctioneer Allison Stockel’s signature energy and enthusiasm generated excitement and a lively bidding experience during the auctions. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Cannonball Award. Though Joel Third was not able to attend in person due to illness, guests were able to hear from and see him via a pre-recorded video message, and speakers such as Executive Director Hildegard Grob and Board President Rhonda Hill provided glowing testimonies of Joel’s contributions. His nephew Jason Papes, who flew in from Colony, Texas to attend this event, accepted the award on Joel’s behalf.

Thank you to all those who helped make our event so successful: from our generous attendees to the tireless Gala Planning Committee members to the many other staff and volunteers whose hard work behind the scenes made it all possible.

Missed the Gala but want to contribute to KTM&HC’s important mission-driven work? Learn more about our museum and ways to give on our website at www.keelertavernmuseum.org/support/.