Chair of Board Trustee Barbara Hollenbach and Honoree National Penn Bank Dave Kennedy

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites celebrated 23 years of holiday fundraising at the annual Holiday Dinner & Art Auction on Saturday, December 5 at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

This event helps raise funds to support, protect and maintain over 20 historic buildings and almost three centuries of history in Historic Bethlehem. Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is able to share their knowledge through exhibitions, tours, and programs, all because of events like this.

The night kicked off with a Benefactors Red Carpet Cocktail Reception with the opening of the art and silent auctions in the beautiful Blast Furnace Room, accompanied by the sounds of The New Groove. Guests then enjoyed dinner in the Musikfest Café while taking part in the live auction, where they bid on exceptional items such as the featured artwork Christmas Morning in Bethlehem, an original oil painting by local artist Ben Marcune, which sold for $6,300.

Holiday Dinner & Auction Chairperson Anne Rampolla, Ken Rampolla Sarah Heiser, Kenny Rampolla

The 2015 individual honoree was Bruce Palmer, who has graciously donated his time, professional talents and leadership as Board President for Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. The 2015 business honoree was National Penn Bank, a proud supporter of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.

Anne Rampolla chaired the Holiday Dinner & Auction committee along with Nancy Ahlum, Peggy Baker, Jennifer Van De Voorde, Winnie Melinsky, Peggy Cook, Andrea Foucek, Dolly Dyer, Frances Kaufmann, Judy Savchak, and Wendy Steed.

Notable attendees included: James and Tara Airoldi, Doug and Peggy Brown, Sheela and Tom Donchez, James and Terry Jacklin, Ashley and Joe Russo, Anthony and Jolene Scarcia, Dolly and Dave Dyer, Bruce and Judith Palmer, Jennifer and Mark Van de Voorde, Rob and Peg Albert, Joe and Debi Kochanasz, Jody and Gen Marcon, Keith and Susan Meier, John and Chrissy Wagner, and Maureen Topper.

PPL Corporation was a premier sponsor.

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is a not-for-profit institution that brings to life three centuries of American history.  Historic Bethlehem tells the story of a small town of great influence, home to some of our nation’s earliest settlers, to America’s first municipal water pumping system, and to one of the world’s greatest industrial companies.  Historic Bethlehem is located in eastern Pennsylvania, only a 1.5 hour drive from Philadelphia to the north and 2 hours west of New York City.  Historic Bethlehem is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a National Historic Landmark District. For more information please call 1-800-360-TOUR or visit www.HistoricBethlehem.org.