Event is big winner for 100-year-old mill

The Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve hope one day to generate hydroelectric power from the Kirby water wheel. They advanced that effort by hosting one of the largest fundraisers in recent Richfield history. The One in a MILL-ion event, at the Lodge on Oct. 16, raised more than $100,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations and a lively auction.

The Lodge was packed for the event.

Hey Mavis provided music throughout the afternoon and evening, auctioneer Bob Hale brought the crowd to laughter as they raised their bids for multiple prizes. Brady Marks, a radio personality with 107.3 Alternative Cleveland, emceed.

The Friends enlisted the help of Debbie Williams, founder of Time To Spare event management service, and Thom and Lisa Mandel to serve as honorary chairs. Williams and the Mandels encouraged many friends to attend, including several well-known philanthropists with an appreciation of parks. 

The Friends had already raised more than $200,000 for the restoration of the Kirby Mill: replacing the roof, restoring windows and refurbishing the waterwheel. This fundraiser puts them more than halfway to their goal of $500,000 to restore the mill and provide STEM education at the site. ∞

Featured Photo: Hey Mavis performed throughout the event. Photos by Bruce Ford.