Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) wishes to thank all who participated in its first virtual Cannonball Gala To Go on Saturday evening May 23 and provide those who were unable to “attend” an opportunity to do so.
“We are overjoyed at the success of our first virtual Cannonball Gala To Go held Saturday evening May 23,” said Rhonda Hill, KTM&HC board president. “When we started this journey just a couple of months ago, we could not have guessed how well the idea of a virtual gala would go over, how many people would participate, or how many funds could be raised using a virtual platform.”
While virtual fundraising – a first for KTM&HC – was a success, an anonymous generous donor has come forward offering a 2:1 match for all donations raised from May 23 through May 31 up to $10,000. According to Hildegard Grob, executive director, all funds will provide critical operating support to:
· Create online offerings for the community at large;
· Develop curriculum-aligned school programs for online learning for hundreds of school
children and their teachers;
· Continue to maintain and preserve our historic buildings, collections, and gardens while the site is closed; and
· Prepare for a strong reopening in accordance with state and town guidelines.
Until now, Saturday evening's entertainment was available only to Gala attendees who purchased a ticket. KTM&HC is inviting the public to enjoy the special premiere of The Gilberts & The Gilded Age of Entertaining hosted and produced by Daniel C. Levine and Bryan Perri of ACT of Connecticut, along with other virtual programming released Saturday night.
The Gilberts & The Gilded Age of Entertaining – featuring chief curator and assistant museum director, Catherine Prescott, and resident historian, Charlie Pankenier – is a fascinating look behind the scenes at how the Gilberts entertained their illustrious high-society friends in the early 1900s at “Ye Old Cannonball House”.
“We’re over half-way to our fundraising goal for the 2:1 match,” added Ms. Grob. “It is such an exciting opportunity to make your dollars grow. Won’t you help us cross the finish line? “
To view the Gala To Go entertainment and make a 2:1 donation, visit the link below by midnight on May 31.