LYNN — Take “A Walk Through Lynn” Friday night, and help celebrate all the good things that are happening throughout the city.
Technically, it’ll be a virtual walk through Lynn. “A Walk Through Lynn” bash will take place inside Lynn Museum, and your participation will help fund the many programs the museum, which has been preserving the city’s history since 1897, holds throughout the year.
“This is our biggest fundraiser,” said Drew Russo, executive director. “This year, it will be a celebration of our city. There’s no need to go to Boston or Salem for a cultural experience; lots is happening in Lynn.”
Visitors will be able to explore the museum’s many exhibits, take part in a fun scavenger hunt, and other surprises.
Lynn Vocational Technical Institute students will cater the event, prepare and serve hors d’oeuvres, and design the keepsake booklet.
There will be a live and silent auction, with state Rep. Dan Cahill serving as auctioneer. On the auction block will be lunch or breakfast with Lynn Mayor Thomas M. McGee, an invigorating run with U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, a four-night vacation in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic with airfare, Red Sox tickets in GE’s private suite at Fenway Park, loge tickets to a Bruins-Capitals game at the TD Garden, plenty of art pieces, and more.
Russo said the past three major annual fundraisers had a musical theme: “Paint it Black” in 2015 coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones concert at Manning Bowl; “The Best is Yet to Come” in 2016 had a Rat Pack vibe, dovetailing with Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday; and last year’s “Night Fever” had a disco theme and was inspired by the 40th anniversary of “Saturday Night Fever.”
But music lovers won’t be totally ignored Friday night. DJ Seth Albaum will play songs by acts that have performed in Lynn, including Ray Charles (1976), Aerosmith (1985), The Kinks (1986) and the aforementioned Stones, all at Manning Bowl, and the many artists who have played Lynn Auditorium. A series of still photographs of the artists will also be shown on a screen throughout the night, as will film footage of Lynn in the 1950s and later. Jingles from the former WLYN radio station will be played too.
Buffy Pennick, the museum’s Individual Giving manager, has done much of the behind-the-scenes organizing work of this event. She said a planning committee member suggested “An Evening in Paris” theme, which evolved into “A Walk Through Lynn.”
“This will be a fun, fun, fun celebration,” she said.
Sponsors include Beverly Bank, Century Bank, The Gerondelis Foundation, Gordy and Linda Hall, Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development, A. James Lynch Insurance, Lynnway Redevelopment LLC, Brian and Nancy McCarthy, Revolution Pie & Pint/Brew on the Grid, St. Jean’s Credit Union Charitable Foundation, John and Patrice Tierney, Salem Five, Old Neighborhood Foods, Align Credit Union, Cataldo Ambulance Service Inc., Durkee Mower Inc., and Panakio Adjusters.
This year, the museum introduced a 1629 sponsorship, with a $1,629 donation, named for the year Lynn was first settled. “We’re 11 years from Lynn’s 400th anniversary, and, as the city’s historical museum, it’s a natural to celebrate that event,” said Russo. “We are thrilled to open up the museum to as many people as we can for an affordable price, with all proceeds benefiting our programs here and at LynnArts.”
“A Walk Through Lynn,” Friday, 6-9 p.m., the Lynn Museum, 590 Washington St. Information and tickets, $50, at www.lynnmuseum.org or by contacting Buffy at 781-581-6200 or [email protected].
