The Franklin Square Historical Society is hosting its 45th annual fundraising dinner, the organization’s largest yearly event aimed at supporting museum operations, educational programming and preservation efforts.
The dinner, held annually at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, this year on April 15, brings together community members, local businesses and supporters for an evening of fundraising, raffles and recognition awards. The event is essential to sustaining the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations, as the society does not receive taxpayer funding.
“This is our biggest fundraiser for the year,” said Mary Anne Grey, museum director. “We have other fundraisers, but this is certainly our biggest one we do.”
Grey said the organization relies heavily on ticket sales and raffle contributions to generate revenue. This year’s event has drawn more than 100 attendees, with additional support coming from local businesses that donated items and services for raffle baskets.
Grey said the nonprofit depends on fundraising because it does not receive taxpayer funding, adding that all of its revenue comes through donations and events. The annual fundraiser, typically held during the month of April, is the largest the society hosts throughout the year.
Julie Soffientini, who has been volunteering since 2021, said this is the most important fundraising event for the society.
Each year, the Historical Society also honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the community through its award program. The John E. Rath Citizen of the Year Award will be presented this year to Matthew Buck, general manager of Plattduetsche Park Restaurant.
Buck was selected for his leadership and community involvement.
“He was certainly selected with his leadership and service to the community,” Grey said.
The society will also present its Trustees Award to Frank Perunkl, a 40-year member of the Historical Society and former treasurer.
“It’s given to somebody who supports the society,” Grey cited. “And you know, through their leadership and expertise and generosity and just giving, you know, of their time.”
The John E. Rath Award is named after a prominent Franklin Square civic leader born in 1899. Rath was the first chief of the Franklin Square Fire Department in its modern form and played a key role in securing land for community use.
Rath was a Franklin Square civic leader and the first chief of the Franklin Square Fire Department.
Funds raised through the dinner support museum operations, programming, and preservation efforts.
Grey said the money raised helps support day-to-day operations, including programming, preservation work and planned improvements such as a new classroom extension funded through designated donations.
Val Mazzone, another volunteer with the society, said in an interview with the Herald that she believes it is her duty to pass along the area’s history, given that she grew up and became a teacher in Franklin Square.
The society is also preparing additional fundraising events, including an antiques appraisal show scheduled for May 16 at the museum.
