By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The Montevallo Historical Society’s inaugural gala in October will honor the memory of Elizabeth “Betty” Mahler and bring awareness to the much-needed restoration of her family’s former house.

“We’re dedicating the gala to her because of her generous gift of the 167 acres and of course all of the historical property,” Historical Society Treasurer Janice Seaman said. “The house has always been a primary concern of ours. We like to try to keep bringing awareness to the fact that the house is in desperate need of restoration.”

In 2013, Mahler donated her family’s 167-acre estate, including their antebellum home, to Montevallo with her wish for the city to preserve the property and develop Shoal Creek Park as a public recreation site.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit Historical Society projects, such as genealogical studies, oral history and the Places in Peril Committee’s work.

“We’re raising money for many projects we’re launching,” Seaman said. “This is our second year, and we’re trying to get projects off the ground and to raise money for all those things we’re working on.”

Gala 2019 will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. at the Fox and Pheasant Inn, located on 540 Shelby Street.

Dinner will be an “Italian feast” prepared by award-winning chefs Mary and Carmelo Salamone.

“We will have Italian music, wine and the meal,” Seaman said. “It’s going to be a very festive evening.”

Guests will have the opportunity to bid on weekend retreats in a silent auction.

Admission to the gala is a $75 per person donation. Corporate and group tables are also available.

To reserve tickets before the event, email Montevallo1817@gmail.com or call the Inn at (205) 567-9659.

Guests can also pay at the door the day of the event.

“With this being our first gala, we hope to build on it each year as we go along,” Seaman said. “This is just a fun way to get together in the evening and share each other’s company. There’s some real camaraderie there.”

The Montevallo Historical Society meets quarterly on the third Sunday of the month.

New members are always welcome.

For more information, visit the Montevallo Historical Society Facebook page or Historicmontevallo.org.