Lincoln College announces Grand Soiree to benefit museum
Black-Tie Optional Event Commemorates College’s 150th Anniversary, Ties with Lincoln

[September 20, 2015]  LINCOLN - As it turns 150 this year, Lincoln College is opening its doors for its annual formal event for everyone to learn about the College’s storied history while helping the Lincoln Heritage Museum put its best foot forward.

The annual Grand Soiree is set for Saturday, Sept. 26, and will focus on showing participants the visual history of the College, starting with its beginning shortly before President Lincoln’s death in 1865. The black-tie optional event, previously by invitation only, now is open for the public and will include:

• A walk through history from Lincoln’s death to today’s Lincoln College, with a Civil War theme including Lincoln funeral artifacts and images
   
• A benefit auction with a wide range of items: season tickets to Lincoln College sports, autographed sports memorabilia, historical photography, an African safari and much more
   
• Entertainment provided by the College Jazz Combo and photo station for participants to have pictures taken in a period setting

This is the 40th anniversary for the Soiree, which began as a University Hall restoration fundraiser in 1975. Since 1978, it has served as the primary fundraising event for the Lincoln Heritage Museum, which opened its doors at its new location on campus last year.

David Gerlach, who started as Lincoln College president this summer, said opening the Soiree to the public is the College’s way to celebrate its deep connections with Lincoln, both the former president and the community it calls home.

“We have a really special place in the Lincoln Heritage Museum to share Lincoln’s important life lessons, and the Soiree is another opportunity to invite people to learn both from our nation’s great president and about how Lincoln College has grown out of his legacy,” Gerlach said. “We encourage everyone to come celebrate and support this jewel of a Museum we have as we look back at the past 150 years and forward to the successful years ahead.”

The Soiree begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, the 26th, at the Jack D. Nutt Arena in the Lincoln Center, adjacent to the Museum. Business or evening dress is requested (black tie optional). The cost is $95 per person for open seating. Tables may be reserved for $760 for a table of eight. Special sponsorship tables are available at $1,000. Table sponsors will be recognized and receive four VIP passes to the Lincoln Heritage Museum.

Seats are limited. Interested persons should make reservations by Wednesday, Sept. 16, by calling 217-735-7217 or online at the Lincoln Heritage Museum website – http://museum.lincoln college.edu  – and clicking on the 2015 Grand Soiree reservation link.

[Ryan Keith, RK PR Solutions]