By Marilyn Miller
Boxers…hippies…airmen…Al Capone and his moll…all stepped out of the past and into the present day on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 for the 16th annual Dorcheat Museum Gala — “Lights, Camera, Action…Auction!”
The theme of the evening was TV and movie characters.
The fundraiser, which is earmarked solely for the museum’s operational budget, brought in an estimated $18,000 via tickets sales, raffles, donations, and a cake auction featuring two Minden “characters” – Dr. Richard “Feelgood” Campbell and Tracy “TLC Picker” Campbell – as auctioneers.
The first auction item was a patriotic quilt which was pieced by Lyda Madden and hand-quilted by Nona Sale. Becky Marvin took home the piece for a bid of $500, and then “doubled down” her money to take the second quilt, also a Madden/Sale creation, for another $500 for a total of $1,000.00.
Ty Pendergrass was the winner of a huge gift basket, which was given away in a drawing.
“Over-all the event went well,” said Dorcheat Museum’s new director, Jessica Stewart Gorman. “We didn’t bring in quite as much money as last year, but (with the economy the way it is) that’s probably to be expected.”
Heavy hors d’ oeuvres by Hugh Wood Catering were served.
Online donations are still being accepted at the website, www.dorcheatmuseum.com. “We take donations every day,” Mrs. Gorman teased.
Serving with her are Board President Mike Harper, Vice President Schelly Francis, Treasurer Janet LaBruyere, and Recording Secretary Lola Kidd.
