MEMORIAL HALL
(Photo by Raj Das, edphotos.com)
The following comes from the Friends of Melrose Memorial Hall.
MELROSE — With just three weeks to go until the October 14th Roaring 20s Gala to raise desperately needed funds for interior restorations of our beloved Memorial Hall, the Friends of Melrose Memorial Hall (FOMMH) Gala Committee is at full speed planning specialty cocktails, organizing a fabulous program, gathering ostrich feathers and sequins, securing auction items, alerting the paparazzi, and—of course—selling tickets. Auction and ticket sales are an essential part of the equation, offsetting the costs of running an elaborate event and adding money to the restoration coffers. You can still buy your tickets online at www.friendsofmemorialhall.org/2023gala, or in person by cash or check (but without the online fees) at Miter Biter Framing.
Another invaluable source of funds are the incredible community sponsors lending their support, all of whom will be recognized at the big event, and without whom FOMMH could never pull off an event this grand.
For individuals and families in Melrose who would like to do even more to support efforts to restore the interior of Memorial Hall, FOMMH has created a Permanent Recognition Program that extends beyond the one-night-only efforts of the October 14 Gala (the program will run through early 2024). There are three tiers of support: the John C.F. Slayton, sponsor ($10,000 and up); the Admiral Forrest P. Sherman, USN sponsor ($5000-$9,999); and the General Ulysses S. Grant, USA sponsor ($2,500-$4,999). Those who participate in the program will be permanently recognized on a plaque displayed in Memorial Hall, and their generous donation will go directly towards priority improvements in the hall, including: repairing and repainting the plaster ceiling and walls; replacing wallpaper; restoring and painting the woodwork, interior trim, and molding; cleaning and restoring 4-5 paintings; clearing and restoring plaques on the “Wall of Honor”; restoring and properly displaying the Colonia era American Flag; refinishing the floor; and replacing the draperies.
We heard from The Driscoll Family, participants in the Permanent Recognition Program, who said, “The Driscoll family is incredibly proud to provide a Legacy Sponsorship. The Melrose Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall (also known as Memorial Hall) has been and continues to be a treasured and storied place in Melrose. Public gathering spaces, particularly ones with so much history and tradition, are being relegated, in many places, to just another lot for sale. Not so in Melrose, where we value the extraordinary contributions of those who sacrificed lives, loved ones, and livelihoods for love of our country and our city. It’s now our privilege to return the favor by funding this gorgeous space, accessible to all, that reminds us why we live in our beautiful city, our home. We are all a part of its legacy, and our family is honored to be part of its future.”
To learn more, email memorialhallrestoration@gmail.com or visit www.friendsofmemorialhall.org/donations.
