Wine Tasting Fills The Alexandria Room And Benefits The Town Hall

Guests gathered at the Alexandria Room at the Edmond Town Hall October 27 to mingle, sample dishes at the buffet, and sip at an array of wines during a fundraising Tasting of Wines and Single Malt Scotches gala to benefit the recently established Mary Hawley Society.

Like echoes of the room as it would have appeared in its prime, the banquet hall and adjoining kitchen filled with guests, laughter, tinkling glass, and aromas from the food table. The Mary Hawley Society held its kick-off fundraising event in the Alexandria Room to highlight the kitchen, which is their first focus. The society wants to see the kitchen renovated, brought up to code, and restored to use.

Considering its former grandeur, “The Old Lady needs a redo,” said one of the evening’s guests, Board of Managers Chairman Jay Gill.

At $35 a ticket, at least 150 guests and society supporters mingled between 6 and 8:30 pm. Event coordinators Jane and Don Sharpe, along with Marg and Don Studley and Sandy and Walt Motyka saw a successful evening. Ms Sharpe said the event raised between $5,000 and $6,000. They also boosted public awareness.

“It was really about raising recognition,” Ms Sharpe said. “It was about having people see the potential of the Alexandria Room so people could see its function as a reception room.”

 Many residents who could not attend also contributed to the money raised that night.

“It was absolutely a success, a great start,” said Mr Gill. Leaving the society solidly in the black. A final tally was not yet established earlier this week.

The Town and Country Garden Club of Newtown and Lexington Gardens decorated the room with sprays of flowers and grasses. Sandy Hook Wine & Liquor provided the beverages.