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Funds earmarked for restoration

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By Kathy Thomson

A big crowd attended the 16th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala at the “Flat” on the Collins Creek Ranch last Saturday, Oct. 5, and organizers declared this year’s event a success.

“It was a wonderful night,” said event organizer Susan Waller. “We had lots of fun, danced to a talented band, and enjoyed first-rate food!”

The Gala, held the second weekend of October each year, is sponsored by Friends of Fort Griffin as a fundraiser. 

Activities associated with Saturday’s benefit included a chainsaw woodcarving demonstration, silent auction, live auction, beef tenderloin dinner, dance, and musical entertainment. 

“Since it didn’t rain during the gala, Doug Moreland was able to finish his chainsaw woodcarving this time,” said Waller. “He made a beautiful eagle!”

Moreland donated the work of art to the gala live auction.

“Both the silent auction and the live auction did very well,” said Waller. “We appreciate all of the auction donors, event sponsors, and the attendees.”

Proceeds from the gala are earmarked to restore buildings at Fort Griffin State Historic Site, where the frontier military post was located.

The Friends of Fort Griffin are currently working to obtain permission from the Texas Historic Commission to rebuild the Sutler Store and plan to fund the project once it is approved.

Waller said that although the Sutler store restoration would be fairly expensive, it would certainly be worth the cost.

“It will make an already great fort even better,” Waller said. 

Sponsorships are still available in the following amounts: Friends $50, Good Friends $150, Best Friends $250, Great Friends $500, Fabulous Friends $1,000, and Incredible Friends $2,500.

The Friends of Fort Griffin organization is an approved 501(c)(3) entity. Organizations classified by 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to as charitable organizations, and are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. 

For more information, call Waller at 325-762-5038 or mail checks to Friends of Fort Griffin, PO Box 2154, Albany TX 76430.