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Annual fundraising event a big success, Museum working
on a balanced budget Nearly
200 individuals gathered at the National Civil War
Museum for their successful fundraiser, Dinner with
President
Lincoln (Harrisburg, Pa.) - Last week, the National Civil War Museum welcomed nearly 200 guests to the museum's successful fundraiser, Dinner with President Lincoln, an event which welcomed a visit from "honest Abe" himself and many of the City of Harrisburg leaders. The event began in the Rotunda of the Museum where a silent auction was held and special remarks were made by founder of the Museum, Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed. Upstairs, in The East Room, Museum Board Chairman, Neal S. West welcomed guests and reported the goals and progress the Museum has made in the last two years. West noted that the museum has worked on a balanced budget for the past two years, serving approximately 50,000 visitors - 9,600 of them students. Recently, the Museum has embarked on marketing partnerships with Google Earth and Carnegie Mellon as well as working to create synergy with other Museums. "This Museum exists to educate and enrich each of us, which it does on many levels." Chairman West said. "It is about the past, our future, and the present - about learning, planning and doing." Ms. Susan Corbett, Vice President of Programs and Development of the Gettysburg Foundation, advocated support for the National Civil War Museum as an integral part of keeping the history of the Civil War intact. "It is our job in Gettysburg, in preserving American history, to encourage our visitors to visit all Civil War sites... what I like so much about the National Civil War Museum is that it puts a human face on the Civil War... I am intrigued by your Museum," Corbett said. Guests anxiously awaited the arrival of President Lincoln portrayed by James Hayney, veteran actor with a life-long fascination with the 16th president. As a presenter, James Hayney has appeared in a variety of venues including corporate meetings, business promotions, Civic events, debates, panel discussions and historical events. President Lincoln was accompanied by his wife Mary Todd Lincoln portrayed by Saundra Jordan. Also attending the event were General and Mrs. Grant portrayed by Larry and Constance Clowers. President Lincoln's much awaited remarks warranted a standing ovation which prefaced dinner prepared by Walter Scheib (former White House Chef for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush). "Thank you all for coming tonight," President Lincoln said, "it has given me the chance to look at you and for you to look at me, and I can say... I got the better deal out of the bargain." Lincoln added, "It is our hope that you enjoy this meal, will open your belts, suspenders, wallets and purse strings... Bon Appetite!" Chef Scheib, originally from Bethesda MD., attended the Culinary Institute of America where he gained experience in the kitchens of the Capitol Hilton in Washington, DC. Upon graduation, the Capitol Hilton promoted Scheib from Apprentice to Executive Chef. Following his departure from the Hilton in 1986, Scheib took the Executive Chef at the Boca Raton Club and Resort. In April of 1994 he was selected to join the staff of the Executive Residence at the White House as Executive Chef. As Executive Chef at the White House, Scheib's duties included managing and preparing all menus and meals for the First Family and their private entertaining, as well as official and state function of the presidency. "The most interesting part of being the Executive Chef for the White House was being able to see the dynamic of the First Family," Scheib noted. "Many people think that preparing food for the First Family is driven by "republican" or "democratic" meals, however in both Families, the First Ladies would rather have seen healthy, organic and natural foods." About the National Civil War Museum |
