Moultonborough, NH – Castle in the Clouds recently hosted its highly anticipated annual Gala fundraiser with the 2023 theme “Wild West Gala in the Clouds.” The event proved to be a resounding success, raising more than $98,000 to support the Castle Preservation Society’s mission to preserve, interpret, and share the buildings and landscape of the Castle in the Clouds as a cultural and educational resource for the benefit of the public. Throughout the past 17 years, the Castle Preservation Society has been steadfastly working to restore the estate’s historic buildings to their former beauty and grandeur.
During the evening, Master of Ceremonies and Executive Director Charles Clark formally announced that all proceeds from the Wild West Gala in the Clouds would be dedicated to the interior rehabilitation of Brook Lodge, an original gatehouse on the property. Exterior renovations of Brook Lodge were completed in 2012. Last year’s successful fundraising, which launched at the 2022 Gala, funded the complete restoration of Maple Lodge, which is the twin gatehouse of Brook Lodge.
The Gala Reception included welcome remarks from Ann Glover, Castle Preservation Society Board Chair, and featured live entertainment by country western artist Houston Bernard, as well as line dancing instruction. Another highlight of the evening was the Live Auction Fundraiser, during which guests had the opportunity to bid generously on a wide array of unique and exclusive Castle experiences, including a Cocktail Party on the Lucknow Lawn, Brunch on the Lucknow Sunporch with a Private Tour, Holiday Party at the Carriage House, and more.
Castle in the Clouds expresses sincere appreciation to its valued sponsors, including Eastern Propane & Oil, Miracle Farms, and Paul Zimmerman, for their unwavering support. This extraordinary fundraising event owes its success to the remarkable dedication of Castle in the Clouds sponsors, friends, Gala Committee, and team, in addition to the invaluable contributions of the Castle Preservation Society Board of Directors.
“As we celebrate the success of our Wild West Gala in the Clouds, I am profoundly grateful for the tremendous support and dedication of our membership and community,” said Charles Clark, Executive Director of Castle in the Clouds. “With the unwavering backing of our generous donors, we are eager to witness the transformation of Brook Lodge into a functional building, inviting visitors to experience the timeless allure of this historic gem.”
For more information about Castle in the Clouds or to make a donation to the Brook Lodge interior rehabilitation, please visit castleintheclouds.org.
ABOUT CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS
As the premier historical museum in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Castle in the Clouds provides each visitor with a look into the past while providing contemporary comforts to make every visit memorable. Originally called Lucknow, this breathtaking 6,300-acre property was developed in 1913 by Tomas G. Plant, a wealthy shoe manufacturer, to create a luxurious lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities, beautiful hand-made furnishings, and a large staff to run the estate. These days, visitors come from all around the world to tour the mansion and exhibit gallery, dine in the Carriage House Restaurant or Café in the Clouds, hike miles of hiking and walking trails maintained by partner organization the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, or enjoy one of our many programs and events. Operated by the Castle Preservation Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Castle in the Clouds is revered as a cultural and educational resource and listed on the National Register of Historic Places with national significance. Castle in the Clouds is also available as a fairytale wedding venue and versatile private event rental. For more information about Castle in the Clouds, visit www.castleintheclouds.org.
