Volunteers, donations, guests sought for fundraising gala
If you are a regular reader of this column, you are probably interested in history, and the Lake County Discovery Museum's collections and programs in particular.
If that describes you, consider supporting the museum by joining in the fun of the ninth annual Gala fundraiser, coming up in October.
The museum's community support group, the Friends of the Lake County Discovery Museum's 2007 "Passage to Discovery" Benefit Gala is only a month away. This year's event on Oct. 26 is called "An Evening in the Tropics."
New for 2007, the event venue is the stunning Audubon Hall, Independence Grove Visitor Center in Libertyville. Gala attendees enjoy entertainment, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions.
Every year the theme makes the event distinctive. The themes have always had something to do with Lake County history. The Tropics, however, proved challenging, with little direct connection to Lake County history. Except for Libertyville High School alum Marlon Brando, whose relationship with the Tropics is well known.
Brando purchased the Tahitian island of Tetiaroa in 1965, after falling in love with it during the filming of "Mutiny on the Bounty." It was there that he met his future wife, Tarita. OK, not the strongest connection with Lake County, seeing as how, by 1965, Brando's ties to Libertyville were in his distant past.
Over the years, the museum's Gala Benefit has raised nearly $350,000 in support of museum programs and exhibitions. Community involvement is the key to the success of the event.
If you are interested in the work of the museum and its positive presence in the community, helping to plan the evening by joining the Gala Planning Committee is a fun and rewarding way to show your interest and support.
Donations to the event auctions are also greatly appreciated. This year's auction starts online at www.friendsgala.cmarket.com. So even if you don't attend or work for the Gala, you can support the museum by bidding on auction items online.
If you are interested in joining the Gala Planning Committee, making a donation to the event, receiving an invitation, or would just like more information, call (847) 968-3400.
Don't forget to visit the museum Web site at www.lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org for more information about the exhibition and to download $1 off coupons for exhibition admission.
• Katherine Hamilton-Smith is the director of cultural resources for the Lake County Forest Preserve District. The Lake County Discovery Museum, a department of the forest preserve district, is an award-winning regional history museum on Route 176, west of Fairfield Road near Wauconda. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Call (847) 968-3400 for information.