By Marilyn Miller
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum’s annual gala took place Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 in the museum’s new addition, which has been virtually completed six months after the expansion project began.
Hundreds of Museum advocates sipped on champagne while enjoying h’or doeuvres prepared by Board members. After introductions and a brief welcome from director Jessica Gorman, the “main event” began with auctioneers Dr. Richard Campbell and Morris Busby, assisted by Danny Francis, offering up cakes, cookies and other confections to a flag-raising audience.
The cake and silent auction, including a $1,000 raffle won by Ron Flurry, raised $21,000 for the Operations Budget for the non-profit organization. Flurry donated half of his winnings back to the museum.
Recognition of the many hands and pocketbooks that made the new addition possible also highlighted the evening. Thank-you nods went to the following: Sapphire, Miller Tubular Services, Michael & Blair Miller Family; Diamond, Newt Brown Contractor, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Harper, Barbara Green; Platinum, Ki Williams, the Chapman Family; Gold, Bayou Rental Towers/Harrington Communications, Webster Machine Works, the McKinley Family, Philip & Kathy McInnis, Jane Sistrunk, Dickinson Investment Co., Mr. & Mrs. Ed LaBruyere, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Hock, Dr. Larry Slay, Mark Cowen.
Also, Silver, Danny & Schelley Francis, Suzanne Holst, Hunter’s Body Shop, Catherine C. Hunt, Realtor; Dr. & Mrs. Mark Miller, Coca-Cola Bottling of Minden, B1 Bank, Cindy Walker, Meriwether Wealth & Planning, Nancy Epperson; Bronze, Ace Hardware, BLJJ Roofing (Larry Burrell), Mr. & Mrs. Webb Stewart, Lois Prothro, Bonvenu Bank, Sherb & Kim Sentell, Under Dawgs Sports Grill, Webster Parish Assessor Denise Edwards, Mr. & Mrs. George French III, Minden Athletic Supply.
And, Contributors, Barry Watson, Mr. & Mrs. Billy Kidd, Lola Kidd, Mr. & Mrs. Clyde Stanley, Gloria Daniel, Anthony & Rachel Miller, Chad’s Auto & Exhaust, Connie’s Plumbing, Tommy Russell, Ad Sign, Col. & Mrs. Carl Thompson, Marilyn Miller, Mark & Melissa Reljac, Hollie Fritz, and recent donors Becky Marvin, Walter & Libby Ledig, Perryman Welding (contractor for the project), Jenny Kennon, Pete Treat, Dianne McGuire, Dr. Ed Brown, Harry McInnis, DBH Chaffe III, Kary & Sharon Bryce, the Lyda & James Madden Foundation.
“We’re still in need of donations,” Jessica said, adding that a running list of donors is available on the www.dorcheatmuseum.com website.
