From Silver to Gold: Gala & Caboose Campaign

The Beaver Area Heritage Foundation invites you to an unforgettable evening on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Beaver Station Cultural and Event Center for our From Silver to Gold Gala — a celebration of history, heritage, and the exciting journey ahead. Together, we will honor three pillars of our region — Norman Mitry of Heritage Valley Health System, Samuel Spanos of the Spanos Group of Raymond James, and Rob Pratte of KDKA Radio. — with our Enduring Legacy Awards, for their generous support and commitment to our mission.

But this year’s Gala is about more than celebration — it’s about momentum.

The Caboose Campaign: All Aboard for the Next Chapter

The centerpiece of this year’s Gala is the launch of our Caboose Campaign — a major capital initiative to restore and install a vintage CSX caboose alongside the Beaver Area Heritage Museum (see artist’s rendering below). This historic addition will anchor a new rail history exhibit designed to educate and inspire visitors of all ages, from local schoolchildren to history enthusiasts throughout the region.

Once installed alongside the Beaver Area Heritage Museum, this restored caboose will:

  • Replace the original rail spur
  • Feature professional rail displays inside the Museum and Beaver Station
  • Be accessible via a newly constructed, all-weather connection
  • Serve as a destination for local families, history buffs, rail enthusiasts, and school groups
  • Position our museum to take part in the upcoming America 250 celebration with a compelling exhibit on the 1785 Treaty of Fort McIntosh

We estimate this project will cost $300,000 — and we’re already full steam ahead.

Gala Details

Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025
Location: Beaver Station Cultural and Event Center
Tickets: $140 each | $1,120 table of 8

A Hometown Testimonial
Before the auction begins, we’ll take a moment to hear from Nicholas Raught, a proud Beaver native whose Hometown Testimonial offers a heartfelt reflection on what our shared heritage means — and why investing in the future of our Museum matters more than ever.

Live Fundraising Auction, Led by Hostetter Auctioneers
So far, packages include:

  • 12-night stay at Sam Spanos’ private home on the island of Rhodes, Greece. Compliments of Sam Spanos
  • Romantic dinner for two inside the 1802 Log House
  • Catered dinner for 6–8 inside the museum
  • Friday night party rental of up to 200 guests at Beaver Station ($2,500 Value)
  • Long weekend getaway at Deep Creek Lake — Thursday-to-Sunday stay at Mountain Joy, a spacious vacation home with stunning mountain views, hot tub, and game room. Valid for a weekend between Sept. 8–Dec. 15, 2025 or Jan. 8–May 18, 2026, subject to availability. Compliments of Tod and Tawnya Arbutina
  • 2 tickets to the Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game, Jan. 4, 2026. High on the 40-yard line in Section 534, Row X, Seats 7 and 8. Game time to be announced. Compliments of David and Bobbie O’Leary
  • Wine Country Retreat—Package includes 3 days and 2 nights at private home located on Keuka Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Country.  Approximately 4 miles north of Hammondsport New York  located on the east side of Keuka Lake you will have the use of a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with open floor plan, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen and ease of access to local wineries, distilleries, and dining.  Several of the other Finger Lakes including Canandaigua and Seneca lakes are easily accessible from this location as well.  Enjoy the large deck or a cozy fire in this privately owned home.  Timing and details for you stay to be coordinated directly with owners Jackie and Ed Mclaughlin.  Approximately 4.5 hour drive from Pittsburgh
  • 3 photography prints by Beaver photographer Emmanuel Panagiotakis. Compliments of Ed and Jackie McLaughlin
  • Photograph portrait package by Beaver Studio, Photography by James. Compliments of James Bango / Photography by James.
  • $200 gift card to Biba, Beaver’s award-winning, fine-dining Latin restaurant, and a bottle of wine to round out a perfect evening experience. 406 Third Street, Beaver. Compliments of Town Center Associates, LLC
  • 18 holes of golf for a foursome at Olde Stonewall Golf Club near Ellwood City, the 5 star rated golf course that’s one of the finest in the Pittsburgh area. Good for Monday through Thursday play only. Value $700. Compliments of Bill and Sue Cutri

We welcome additional auction items — luxury box tickets, hotel stays, airfare, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Full Gala Details, Dinner Menu

Click here for our secure online RSVP page

Can’t attend? You can still support this exciting expansion through our secure donation page: Donate Now

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We are grateful to the following sponsors for their generous support of the From Silver to Gold Gala:

 

Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
Whether you plan to attend or simply wish to champion our mission from afar, we welcome you to explore our Sponsorship Levels and Benefits. Sponsors enjoy special recognition and help make this transformative project possible.

Watch & Learn More

Let’s Build Something Lasting Together.

Every dollar brings us closer to the day when children, families, and history lovers can step aboard the caboose and experience Beaver’s rail story up close. Whether you attend the Gala, contribute an auction item, give online, or become a sponsor — thank you for helping us bring this vision to life.

Questions or contributions?
Mark Miner, Board Chairman
mark@markminer.com
412.370.5302

For the Museum Trustees: Bruce Bell, Robert Belle-Isle, Cheri Davidson, Tom Dowlin, Roberta Good (ex officio), Jeff Hamilton, Ed McLaughlin (ex officio), Margi Medva, Beth Spence, Dennis Weyand, Stacey Ivol (director) and for the Construction Committee: David O’Leary, Chuck Copeland, Edward DeMailo.

Artist’s rendering of the caboose after restoration, shown in its planned permanent location alongside the museum.