Kelly Currie, Abigail Huffer and Melanie Mills enjoy the festivities at the Opera House Gala Friday evening. Comet photo by Stefanie Hawkins The Delphi Rotary sponsored An Evening for the Opera House on Friday at the Delphi Opera House Gallery. The evening was full of conversation, food, and fund-raising, with items donated from local businesses. The Silent Auction raised over $1,000, with the top item being a framed photograph entitled “Masters of the Masters,” featuring golf legends Jack Nicholas and Arnold Palmer. This item, donated by Mayor and Mrs. Randy Strasser, brought $250.

The evening was hosted by the event chairman, Delphi Rotarian Martin Krutak, manager of the ALCO store in Delphi. Krutak noted that the motto for the Rotary is “Service Above Self,” thus the reason for participating in the event. Mayor Strasser commented that he foresees this as being “pieces of a vision coming together” and the Opera House project is “recycling and making a new downtown Delphi.” The Mayor also announced that a Historic Preservation Fund grant was obtained by the Preservation Society to put a new roof on the building.

On hand for the Delphi Rotary Club sponsored “An Evening at the Opera House” fundraiser were, from left: Delphi Mayor Randy Strasser, Martin Krutak, Delphi Rotary Club member and Gala chairman; Anita Werling, Delphi Preservation Society; Dan Mc- Cain, Delphi Rotary Club president; and Dr. Greg Norman, Delphi Preservation Society president. Comet photo by Stefanie Hawkins Anita Werling said, “Events like this is what shows us the Opera House can be restored. If we really believe and the community is behind us, it could be possible. A huge amount of people believe in this project.”

The evening was catered by Custom Select Catering featuring a never-ending supply of hors d’oeuvres, a selection of fruits and cheeses, and a fondue table. Champagne, Mimosas, and a selection of beer and juices were also available. A pianist delighted the guests with her music.

Owners Rick and Kathy Black of Wildcat Creek Winery tantalized the senses with a variety of wines to sample. Bottles to take home were available for purchase. Sketched glasses with the Delphi Preservation Society logo were sold for $10. The glasses were used for sampling the different varieties of wines.

The purpose of the Opera House Gallery is to showcase resident artists while celebrating the cultural and architectural heritage of the community. A portion of all gallery sales support the restoration of the Delphi Opera House as performing arts center for Delphi and the surrounding areas. Individual donations can be made to the Delphi Preservation Society, P.O. Box 161, Delphi, IN 46923 or visit www.delphipreservationsociety. org.