BGMA raises funds with a garden party
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The Brandon General Museum and Archives (BGMA) raised funds at the historic Moreland Manor on Sunday afternoon.
Held in the gardens of the heritage home at 1340 Louise Ave., the sold-out event welcomed 50 attendees who each paid $50 to enjoy refreshments, live music and a guided look at one of Brandon’s most historically significant homes.
Fundraiser co-ordinator Lynn Whidden said the event was organized as part of the museum board’s ongoing efforts to generate financial support and hopes it will become an annual tradition that supports the preservation of Brandon’s history.
Artist Weiming Zhao creates a painting of the historic Moreland Manor during the Brandon General Museum and Archives fundraiser on Sunday afternoon.. Zhao donated the painting to the museum. (Photos by Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun
“The board decided to move ahead and do some fundraisers, and one of our most prominent projects right now is this garden party,” Whidden told the Sun.
Because the event was hosted on private property, attendance was limited to 50 people, she said.
“We’re limited to 50 people, and we’re charging $50 each,” she said. “There’s food and music to pay for and incidentals, but otherwise not a lot of expenses.”
Whidden said the board was thrilled by the response.
“It’s wonderful. It’s more than we could even hope for.”
All proceeds from the event will support the museum.
While it remains to be seen whether the fundraiser will return next year, Whidden said the board is optimistic.
“We’ll see after today. We’ll count up the receipts. It would be grand if we did.”
A major attraction of the afternoon was the opportunity to visit Moreland Manor, the century-old residence owned by former Brandon mayor Shari Decter Hirst and her husband, Derry Decter Hirst.
Whidden said the venue itself played a significant role in attracting guests.
“The primary selection was because of this beautiful Moreland Manor, a beautiful home for people to see rather up close, and then the gardens that have been developed around it,” she said.
Shari Decter Hirst, who served as Brandon’s first female mayor from 2010 to 2014, shared the home’s rich history with attendees.
Built in 1914 by George Patterson, the engineer who constructed Manitoba’s first hydroelectric dam, the house was considered technologically advanced for its time.
“He was also the person who brought streetcars to Brandon and was responsible for a lot of the power in Brandon and the surrounding communities,” Decter Hirst said of Patterson.
BGMA board chair Brent Chamberlain thanked the hosts and the many volunteers and supporters who helped make the fundraiser possible.
“We’re all here because we love history,” Chamberlain said. “We love gardening, and this is the perfect venue.”
Brandon General Museum and Archives fundraiser co-ordinator Lynn Whidden stands in the garden of the historic Moreland Manor in Brandon during Sunday’s fundraiser.
He also recognized local artist Weiming Zhao for creating a painting during the event and donating it to the museum, Brandon University’s Harvest Hall dining services for providing refreshments, and pianist Wesley Lipuschuk for providing live entertainment.
The afternoon also drew several community leaders, including Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard, Assiniboine College president Mark Frison and representatives from local organizations.
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