Cobblestone Museum plans annual fundraising dinner, auction on May 10

Provided photos: (Left) This vintage tea cart is one of the unusual items included in Cobblestone Society and Museum’s live auction during the annual membership fundraising dinner. (Right) The table at the Vagg House is set with these numbered collectible plates designed by Robert Franke. They will be sold at the auction on May 10.

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Society and Museum’s annual fundraising dinner this year will feature some very unique auction items, according to director Doug Farley and dinner chair Gail Johnson.

The fifth annual membership dinner is scheduled May 10 at the Carlton Recreation Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd., Carlton. The evening begins with appetizers and cash bar at 5 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6:15, catered by Zambistro’s.

Johnson was instrumental in starting the first membership dinner, after she and her late husband Lyle had chaired Duck’s Unlimited annual dinner for 25 years. Their goal for this year’s event is 150 attendees. Tickets are $60 each or $110 per couple and include annual membership dues.

Last year’s membership dinner raised $16,000 for the Cobblestone Society and Museum, and with work now to create the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center, Farley said they are hoping to raise $20,000 this year. The money raised will also help with ongoing operating expenses, including light, heat, water and insurance for the museum’s 10 buildings.

“We have a number of outstanding items donated for the live and silent auctions,” Johnson said.

These include two beautiful cedar chests, a vacation getaway package to Hilton Head Island, a year’s worth of lawn care by Jake Stinson, a vintage tea cart, cherry drop leaf table, a set of numbered Colonial Heritage collectible plates by Robert Franke and a catered lunch for 10 people at the Vagg House.

In this photo from September 2021, Doug Farley, left, director of the Cobblestone Museum, scans the audience for bids as retired Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower solicits offers on donated items.

Randy Bower will again volunteer as auctioneer for the live auction, something at which he is very good at and enjoys, Farley said. Almost 30 items are included in the live auction.

Other features include a money tree raffle, compliments of Shirley Bright-Neeper, a basket raffle and split club drawing.

While planning for the annual fundraising dinner, the Cobblestone Society is also busy developing plans for the new Visitors Center across the road. Farley said they are meeting with architects and making plans for the 100-person meeting room, entrance accessibility and handicap accessible restrooms.

“This requires a lot of planning and a lot of funds,” Farley said.

The annual membership dinner is a wonderful way to spend an evening, while supporting the Cobblestone Society and Museum, enjoying a delicious meal and having the opportunity to win wonderful prizes, Farley added.

He said there are still naming opportunities available for rooms in the Visitors Center.