The gymnasium at Edmond Town Hall frequently hosts a wide range of events, and on Saturday, September 24, it seemed to hold all of them at once.

That is because a Gymboree event was held to celebrate the receipt of a grant from T-Mobile that will help with upgrades to the gymnasium at the historic building at 45 Main Street.

Edmond Town Hall Operations Manager Sheila Torres welcomed everyone to the event before T-Mobile Rural Market Manager Vincent DeSantis spoke, with a number of fellow T-Mobile representatives surrounding him.

DeSantis said those who work at T-Mobile are proud to support the communities they serve, before highlighting that T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants program began in the spring of 2021 as part of a commitment to bring 5G to rural America and the program supports small towns to thrive.

According to DeSantis, over the next five years T-Mobile plans to provide $25 million in grants for community development projects.

Friends of Edmond Town Hall received $47,176 as part of the Hometown Grant program. And a large check was presented to members of the group at the event from the T-Mobile representatives.

According to an announcement from T-Mobile following the event, the grant will help to revitalize and expand the use of the gymnasium.

“The refresh will help to enhance the functionality of this space as a community center and multi-purpose space for sports, celebrations, and civic events and even during emergencies or adverse weather events,” the announcement reads. “This 5,000 square foot space with public bathrooms and portable tables and chairs can seat 600 people and serve almost 400 for dining. These funds will expand the gym’s function and usefulness by adding a kitchenette; upgraded electrical, digital and communication capabilities; additional tables and chairs; and an improved environment.”

As shared in another announcement for the event, Edmond Town Hall is an arts, entertainment, and events venue with the mission to enrich the community by providing a place for generations of residents and neighbors to enjoy arts, social, civic, sports, and milestone events and activities. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was gifted to the community in 1930 by community benefactor Mary Elizabeth Hawley.

Organizations who participate in the many activities at Edmond Town Hall include The Rocking Roosters Dance Club, Newtown Youth Wrestling, Honor Society students, Newtown Bridge Club, Boy Scouts Troop 270, Lathrop School of Dance, Inspiring School of Music, and more, according to the event announcement.

Many of the organizations were represented at the event.

An Inspiring School of Dance musician, Daisy Huizar, played a song to open the celebration with assistance from Noelle Veillette.

Following the check presentation, the celebration began with a dance presentation by the Rocking Roosters Square Dance Club. Later Newtown Youth Wrestling had a demonstration and Lathrop School of Dance shared a performance.

Other groups who participated included Boy Scouts Troop 270, the Newtown High School Art Honor Society, and the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

Education Editor Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.