Ramona throws New Year’s Eve gala to pay for new Town Hall roof

Dressed in their finest attire, over 90 guests gathered at Ramona Town Hall for the Raise the Roof, a New Year’s Eve–themed gala benefiting the historic building’s much-needed roof replacement.

The black-tie-themed event on Dec.31 was organized by Chairwoman Kathryn Riggs Bacon and her team: Jill Bacorn, Kitty Brisendine, Shelly Heimer, Michelle Kelleher, Elaine Lyttleton and Cammie Morgan.

“I was inspired by the Christmas Tree Lighting to come up with a formal New Year’s Eve celebration for our town. A special evening event for adults to celebrate,” Riggs Bacon said.

The Town Hall was transformed with ceiling lights creating the effect of dining outdoors under the stars. Large American flags were draped along the side of the main stage where The Beard & The Bird entertained guests with a blend of jazz, blues, and country music.

The brick and adobe building constructed in the late 1800’s was designed by William Sterling Hebbard and dedicated on Feb. 22, 1894 as a gift to the town by Augustus and Martha Barnett.

The new roof was completed in October for $44,000 by Streamline Roofing, Bacorn said.

Guests to the event who gathered in the East Wing were greeted with sparkling wine and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres.

Then they went to the main hall, where tables were decorated with black, white, and silver linens adorned with vases of delicate stem leaves, feathers, and festive Happy New Year’s centerpieces. They had a four-course buffet dinner featuring roasted beef tenderloin and shrimp scampi catered by Something Delicious.

“We were excited to support Ramona’s historic building,” said attendee Corri Harvey, a 29-year Ramona resident who came with her husband, Brent.  “Ramona is family, and everyone is welcome.”

Ramona’s honorary mayor, Tim Connelly, was in attendance along with former honorary mayors Sharon Davis and John Degenfelder.

“It was a thrill to attend the Raise the Roof fundraiser — kudos to everyone who helped make it possible,” Davis said. “The Ramona Town Hall belongs to all residents of Ramona, and we all need to help take care of her. Please consider volunteering your talents to save her, not only for today but for future generations to come.”

Dinner tickets were $125 per person, with all proceeds directly supporting the Ramona Town Hall roof replacement, Bacorn said.