Cakes, prizes and community fun will be on the menu when the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum hosts its annual fundraiser gala Monday, September 8.
Themed “Preserving Our Past, Celebrating Our Future,” the gala is the museum’s biggest event of the year, raising funds that keep the doors open and programs running. Admission is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Guests can expect light refreshments, casual dress, and plenty of chances to take home something sweet.
One of the evening’s highlights will be the popular cake auction, led by auctioneers Richard “Dr. Feelgood” Campbell and Tracy “TLC Picker” Campbell. Cakes donated by community members will be up for bid all night long, with friendly competition and plenty of laughs promised. In addition, silent and live auction items will be available, and one lucky attendee will walk away with $1,000 cash.
“This event is vital to our operating budget for the coming year,” Museum Director Jessica Gorman said. “As a nonprofit, it takes the financial support of the community to keep the museum going. It truly is our most important event of the year.”
The gala serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the museum’s mission: to preserve and share the history of Webster Parish. Along with exhibits, the Dorcheat Museum offers free admission, speaker programs, and an expanding online presence that includes a YouTube channel with nearly 90 history talks and a growing archive of photos and documents on Flickr.
While the museum has received contributions from the Webster Parish Police Jury, Gorman noted that there is no guaranteed public funding. “Many seem to believe that there is a public entity that funds the museum. This is not the case,” she said. “The museum is owned and operated by the Dorcheat Historical Association, a nonprofit organization. Our primary means of funding is our very generous financial supporters.”
The museum encourages attendees to bring or donate a cake and invite friends to join in the fun. For more information, call 318-377-3002.