Mount Pulaski Courthouse Foundation hosts successful Spring Gala

[April 21, 2018] 

MOUNT PULASKI 

The community of Mount Pulaski rallied again and showed support Saturday night at Abe's Million Dollar Campaign Courthouse Spring Gala held at the American Legion Home. The money raised will go toward the painting and repairs needed to the Mount Pulaski Historic Courthouse on the square where Abraham Lincoln once practiced law in Mount Pulaski.

"The amount of support the foundation received at the Spring Gala was exceptional," said Chairperson Renee Martin. "We had many guests that attended from the surrounding areas such as Lincoln, Niantic, Forsyth, Peoria, Springfield and several from Mount Pulaski. We had special guests such as Sarah Watson from Looking for Lincoln, State Rep. Tim Butler, Hal Smith from Darin Lahood's Springfield office and a nice surprise visit from IDNR Director Wayne Rosenthol.

I am so proud of all the Courthouse Foundation board members for their team work and for their dedicated efforts on such a successful event," continued Martin. "With a grateful heart, we raised $8,932 at the gala, bringing our fundraising efforts to a total of approximately $45,000. We are only $30,000 from our $75,000 goal."

Courthouse Foundation treasurer Doug Johnson of Johnson True Value and Hardware in Mount Pulaski says, "Money is still trickling in. Everyone seemed to have an awesome time and the gala even spilled over to the square at the Lucky Lager and Brickyard."

Julie Wubben and Amanda Doherty pose with "Ice Abe"

Courthouse Foundation board member and new librarian at the Mount Pulaski Public Library, Amanda Doherty, was also delighted with the success of the evening. "I loved seeing everyone at the door. Everyone was full of smiles and excited to be at the gala. It was wonderful to see different groups of people attending the gala. Younger members of our community are stepping up," she said with a smile. "I really felt joy in that building on Saturday night. People were enjoying themselves and being generous with their support of the courthouse."

The Courthouse Foundation also has a couple more projects planned for the year. First the members have planned to give back to the community with a Mobile Food Pantry scheduled for June 9th. This is part of the Illinois Central Food Bank.

According to Martin, "The Mount Pulaski Courthouse Foundation is teaming up with the Logan County Farm Bureau and the Logan County Farm Bureau Young Leaders and are providing food to residents of Logan County. A time and a location is to be announced."

Martin continued, "Then in December, the Mount Pulaski Courthouse Foundation will be hosting a Mount Pulaski Home Tour as a fundraising event and Santa at the Courthouse, which is a free event."

With a smile, Martin says, "Stay tuned for more."

Abe in ice from the MPCF Spring Gala.

Jamie Jones of the MPCF points to the man of the evening.

Folks enjoyed the picture opportunity in front of the green screen turned Courthouse at the Spring Gala. (Renee Martin, Illinois Representative Tim Butler, and Julie Wubben)
 

[Teena Lowery with photos provided by Renee Martin]