McConnell Ball to feature true tale of unsolved local whodunit
The W.A. McConnell Foundation is bring back its popular McConnell Ball on Saturday, April 13 — complete with food, music, a chance to bid on prizes, and a turn-of-the-century whodunit that continues to puzzle investigators.
The ball will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at The District (Historic Memorial Hall), 10308 Main St. in Richmond.
Formed in 2021, when a group of community members recognized a need for preserving the unique history of Richmond and the surrounding area, the nonprofit foundation continues to grow and impact local history in a number of ways, including buying and saving the oldest building in town built in 1844.
However, the Charles G. Cotting House, referred to as Olde No. 90, requires significant restoration. Toward that end, the organization is hosting its signature fundraising ball at The District in Richmond.
The evening will include a reception, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and an exclusive presentation about the Eldredge murders: Two brothers, George and Charles, killed 24 years apart with the same gun!
Tickets are $50 each and include an array of hors d’oeuvres from Sweet Reds Patisserie, two complimentary drink tickets, live music — a violin-cellist duo by Violin by Vicki, a silent auction and, of course, the exclusive mystery presentation by celebrated storyteller Jim May of Spring Grove and a gallery of Eldredge memorabilia for viewing.
Go to www.wamcconnellfoundation.org to buy tickets by mail, Pay Pal and credit card, or buy tickets online at Square. You also may buy tickets in person at Anderson's Candy Shop, The Richmond Cafe, and Village Hall in Richmond.
Silent auction items include tickets to Stade's Farmtractions Theme Park, PRP International in-home wine-tasting for 12, gift certificates for Natural Farm Stand's organic veggies in-season, tickets to “Steel Magnolias” at the Woodstock Opera House, a number of locally made art glass pieces, a copy of the book “Montelona Farm: The Story of Pioneer William A. McConnell's Homestead in Richmond, Illinois” and a picnic lunch at the farm, gift baskets from the McHenry County Conservation District and Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge and more.
Sponsors for the event include generous donations from Hoffman Development Group and Friends of the W.A. McConnell Foundation.
For more information, visit www.wamcconnellfoundation.org.