What
better way to celebrate 15 years of events, accomplishments and service to
Franklin residents and businesses than with a big party? That’s what the
Franklin Downtown Partnership thinks, too!
Join
the FDP and friends at its anniversary fundraiser gala on Saturday, November 12,
at THE BLACK BOX for an evening of fine food, fundraising and music. Doors open
at 6 p.m. and there will be a cash bar. Attire is “cocktail party.”
“With our 15th Anniversary Gala we
are first celebrating the accomplishment of many of the goals we started with
15 years ago. Secondly, we are recognizing how the FDP has taken on a new shape
through the new vision created by a growing body of members who care about the
downtown. Thirdly, we are acknowledging that no change occurs without the hard
work and dedication of many volunteers,” says Jane Curran, owner of Jane’s
Frames, founding member of the FDP and gala co-organizer.
“Our
Gala gives everyone who has been involved in the downtown revitalization
projects over the past 15 years a chance to celebrate together and to look
forward to the next chapter in our town,” adds Nicole Fortier, Partnership
president.
The
party will be about and by some of the best Franklin has to offer. Bob Ward, Franklin
resident and FOX25 news reporter, will emcee the festivities. Enjoy music by
local band Ben Gardner’s Boat, featuring attorney and state representative Jeff
Roy on guitar. Restaurant 3 will cater delicious hearty appetizers and a pasta
station, and gala guests will bid on exciting auction and raffle items and
baskets of goodies donated by local merchants.
Tickets
are on sale now for $100 each. There are two ways to purchase tickets: online
at www.fdp15thanniversaryceleb.eventbrite.com (includes a $5.99/ticket service fee) or
in person at Jane’s Frames. Tickets will be available through Tuesday, November
2.
Proceeds
from ticket sales, auction and raffle items, and sponsorships will help
financially support the Partnership’s future efforts as a voice of downtown
Franklin and operation of its events.
The
Partnership is grateful for the generous sponsorship of the gala. Dean Bank is
a Platinum sponsor of this event. Bronze sponsors are Franklin Public Schools
Lifelong Learning Institute, Local Town Pages, Middlesex Savings Bank and the
Town of Franklin.
Friends
sponsors are Dean College, Green Mountain Chocolates, Hockomock Area YMCA’s
Bernon Family Branch, Jane’s Frames, Suzanne Ranieri, Sally’s Alley and Simon’s
Furniture.
Attending
the gala gives guests a good way to connect with the community at large, along
with business leaders, town staff and government officials. It’s also an
opportunity to see the FDP’s impact on the revitalization of Franklin’s
downtown, according to co-organizer Beth Wierling.
“Every
time I walk and drive through downtown I see the results of community
involvement. I live downtown and I want the area to be the place to go to shop,
eat and do errands. Being a member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership enables
me to have a voice and truly help revitalize Franklin’s already great
downtown,” says Wierling.
In
2001, eight business owners and residents who were interested in revitalizing
the town’s downtown center created the non-profit Franklin Downtown Partnership.
By 2015 the organization had grown to nearly 200 member businesses, groups and
residents, many of whom have been members for more than 10 years.
The
Partnership is well known for creating and running the popular Harvest Stroll,
Holiday Stroll and Strawberry Stroll events. It’s also had a hand in at least
25 projects over the past 15 years, including new buildings on East Central and
Summer streets, greenspace installations, downtown gateway signs, and creation
of a statue in front of the Historical Museum. The group was heavily involved
in planning the recently completed Downtown Streetscape and Roadway Improvement
project.
“I’m most proud of the changes in our downtown
as older buildings have been replaced or restored, building owners have taken a
new pride in their property, and many traffic issues have been solved,” says
Curran. “Our downtown has become a welcoming, vibrant community that we can all
be proud of.”
For
more information about the 15th Anniversary Gala, to donate auction
and raffle items, or to sponsor the event, contact Jane Curran, janeframe@verizon.net, or Beth Wierling, wierling.beth@gmail.com.
The
Franklin Downtown Partnership welcomes volunteers and new members. To learn
more about the group, it’s history, it’s events, and how you can get involved,
visit
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