ONRA Photo Album Endowment Fundraiser Page

Two fund raising dinners to benefit the Glenn A. Harper Endowment for Preservation on the Ohio National Road were held in Preble County on September 16 and 23, 2011. Owners Jerry and Jacki Gross, our 2009 Milestone Preservation Award winners, generously hosted the events at their beautifully restored Toll Road House, located at 100 East Cumberland Street (National Road/US 40) in Lewisburg, OH.	The backyard was transformed into an inviting outdoor social area where guests were greeted upon arrival.

It’s all in the presentation! Appetizers including a variety of cheeses and crackers, fresh fruit, dried vegetables (including surprisingly delicious freeze-dried okra), and a dreamy cheese spread were arranged under a tent amid fall decorations and lit by candelabras and a chandelier.	No one went thirsty thanks to ONRA Board member/Preble County Historical Society Director Jane Lightner (shown on left) and former ONRA Board member and gracious event volunteer Jan Brady.

Attendees sat on the patio to chat or mingled around the outdoor oasis while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and beverages before adjourning inside for dinner.	Guests can be seen through the window of one of the three dining areas inside the house.

Local musicians Warren and Judy Waldron entertained us with beautiful traditional melodies.	Both evenings, before going inside for dinner, a few remarks were given by ONRA’s recent-past President Cyndie Gerken, Endowment namesake Glenn Harper, and host Jerry Gross. In addition, on September 16th ONRA President Dean Ringle as well as Board member/Lewisburg Village Administrator Jeff Sewert (neither pictured) spoke. On September 23rd, Lewisburg Mayor Pat Putnam (pictured standing at back, third from the left) expressed his appreciation, and the Springfield Foundation’s Horton Hobbs (shown with his back to the camera on right) announced that we had not only met our goal of $10,000, but had actually exceeded it.

The Endowment Committee presented Jerry and Jacki Gross with an Ohio hooked rug as a small token of our esteem and appreciation for their generous hosting of these fund raisers.	A chalk drawing of George and Martha Washington hangs on the wall of the second dining area where guests soon assembled for a delectable five-course dinner.

The delicious meal included appetizers of beets, corn relish, pickles and fresh bread followed by peanut soup, a tender mixed salad, baked herb chicken, filet of beef, whipped potatoes, glazed carrots and peas. Shown here enjoying their dinner are (clockwise from the back left): ONRA Board member Judy Williams and her sister Sue Bauer, Board member Pat Henahan and husband Frank Holtzhauer, Mary Wesler and husband ONRA Board member/Preble County Commissioner Dave Wesler and Glenn Harper (far left).	If one did not know better, you’d think there was a staff of twenty preparing and serving the meals. However, a peek in the kitchen revealed just three (pictured left to right): culinary assistant Chris Sturm, and hosts-with-the-most chef Jacki and server Jerry Gross.

Musicians Judy and Warren Waldron (pictured at left) joined ONRA Board member Jane Lightner (at back right) and guest Patricia Dillman in after-dinner conversation, having just finished their divine dessert of pound cake and homemade ice cream.	Our host Jacki Gross lit the crescent in front of the house to light our way out after a wonderful evening.