Benton County Historical Society – Fundraising Banquet 2009

The Benton County Historical Society Fundraising Banquet that was held on Saturday; May 30th at the Knights of Columbus Hall was a great success raising over $2,000 for the Society.  Thank you to everyone that made this possible.

Over 100 guests enjoyed a nice evening that began with a silent auction that had something for everyone!  Then local historian Ken Bird took to the stage with a very educational presentation on the Warsaw-Sedalia-Southern Railroad.  Ken then introduced our honored guests – some of the travelers on the last train; Jenna Lee Ficken, Dorothy Brill Upton, Virginia Laird Cusick, and Larry Walthall.

Homer May, BCHS Chair orated the most inspiring invocation offering many thanks and asking for guidance and strength for not only the Society but for everyone’s future.  Dinner was then served.  Carter Kinkead, BCHS President then addressed the guests.  Carter discussed the future of the museum and announced the first Public Forum to discuss ideas and suggestions for a museum.  This public Forum will be held on Thursday; June 25 at 6 pm.  Forum will be at First Community Bank-100 E Main, Warsaw – please not the location change for this forum.  The Society is working on scheduling forums in Lincoln and Cole Camp as well.  Carter then introduced Robbin Cihal, she will be assisting the Society in planning and fundraising.   

The Silent Auction ended at 8 pm raising $1252; and the live entertainment began.  Kickin’ Country played a great variety of crowd favorites until 10 pm.  

The Benton County Historical Society would like to thank the sponsors of this event:  Hilty Quarries, First Community Bank, Bothwell Health Care-Warsaw, Hawthorn Bank, Golden Valley Medical-Warsaw, Farmer’s Bank-Lincoln/Warsaw; McDonalds of Warsaw and State Farm Insurance of Warsaw.

The Benton County Historical Society is a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization dedicated to preserving local history.