A glamorous Night at the Museum is HD SOUTH's most anticipated event of the year. In 2013, the Gilbert Historical Society (HD SOUTH) debuted its first signature fundraising gala, A Night at the Museum: Gilbert Comes Alive. A group of community volunteers joined together to help raise funds to help the museum continue to preserve the history of Gilbert. That event netted $20,000. Since that time, the museum board expanded its mission, changed its name, and grew this event so that it sells out every year—and is now netting more than $75,000 each year. HD SOUTH is a vibrant part of Gilbert that celebrates the past, inspires unity and cultivates collaboration in the community. It is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Housed in the original elementary school in Gilbert, the building is the oldest one still standing in Gilbert and the only one on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the museums in surrounding communities are owned and operated by their municipality and are guaranteed funding year after year. Not so with HD SOUTH. As such, the organization has had to take a hard look at its activities over the last few years and how they fit into the community of Gilbert. Because of the rapid pace that Gilbert has grown, there is a lack of arts and culture in Gilbert. So in 2017, the Gilbert Historical Museum expanded its mission to include not just history, but all arts and culture because of the importance of its location at the southern end of the Heritage District. The name HD SOUTH was chosen to begin a new era in the organization. Now there are programs in history, art, science, music, literature, and health and wellness. Events like weekly yoga are a unique feature that brings HD SOUTH closer to the community. Its mission is to envision communities where all generations know, trust and care for one another. The next gala will be held on Feb. 29, 2020, and will celebrate the 100th birthday of Gilbert with a Roaring '20s-themed event. Founded in 1920, Gilbert’s centennial is definitely a reason to celebrate the past. Since 2020 is a leap year and the gala is on Feb. 29, the event will also celebrate the exciting future that is to come. Tickets for the event will go on sale Dec. 1 and will be $100 each, which includes a full buffet dinner, complimentary beverage, special entertainment, live and silent auctions, raffle, wine pull and dancing. Sponsorships are still available, and more information can be found at HDSouth.org or by emailing info@hdsouth.org.
Article by Kayla Kolar
Photography by Provided
Originally published in Gilbert City Lifestyle
