Alva Review-Courier -

Freedom's history is deep and rich in traditions, which is why the local museum finds value in the annual Freedom Museum Fundraiser dinner.

The Freedom Museum board is starting to plan their sixth annual dinner, set for Friday, June 21, at the Freedom United Methodist Church at 6 p.m. The museum operates on a very slim budget; because it is a non-profit, they rely on private donations from community members and business owners from Freedom and from surrounding cities. A small savings account and proceeds from the annual fundraiser dinner help directly fund the building maintenance, insurance and utilities.

"In addition to hosting the annual fundraiser, it is also the museum board members' way of saying thank you for helping us display our local history in a proper manor," board member Judy Devine said.

The board members, Devine, Charla Turner, Rob Eden, Brett Smith, Sandy Wimmer, Rob Daughtee and Dixie Stansberry, all brainstorm ideas every year to come up with a theme for the dinner. This year, the theme will be the months of the year. "For example, a table about the month of December will have a Christmas theme," Devine said.

Currently there will be only 10 tables available seating eight guests each, although the board is considering 12 to match the theme. The tables are purchased by businesses, and get advertising along with the decorating of each table. Tickets, available in the upcoming weeks, may be purchased for $20 at the Freedom State Bank. According to Devine, tickets sell out every year and are in high demand. The food will be locally grown and cooked, including a smoked meat with all the trimmings.

Community members and business owners are invited for an evening of fun and fellowship. "It's an opportunity to sit down with your neighbors and enjoy a meal with them," Devine said. Along with the dinner, they will hold an auction, selling donated gifts from businesses in surrounding areas, such as gift cards and other valuables.

Recently, renovations were made to the museum including a new ceiling fan, painting of the main gallery and a new roof for the machinery room, which displays machinery used by local farmers from centuries ago. "We are made possible by private donations and a grant from the Charles Morton Share Trust," Devine said.

"The museum is a treasure and valuable asset to the community," Devine said. "We are a non-profit organization and our only means of keeping the doors open is through private donations and fundraising like this and we have had a lot of success in the past."