Following the Clara Ford 150th birthday celebration, the Richmond Hill Historical Society recently presented a check to Arts on the Coast for $4,615. Proceeds were raised from donated artworks and were auctioned off at the Clara Ford event.

“It was very generous of the artists to contribute original pieces to our art auction at the Clara Ford 150th gala. Our event was so successful for the Historical Society that we wanted to give back by donating the full auction proceeds to Arts On The Coast, also a nonprofit, community-minded organization,” said Paige Glazer, vice president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society. “We are excited to grow our partnership and to further develop culture and heritage in Richmond Hill."”

In addition to the Arts on the Coast art auction, the April 23 events included a trolley tour that showcased Henry Ford’s Southern Town, led by author and historian Buddy Sullivan; three trolley tours that visited the Ford Plantation; and an evening gala attended by 250 people. The gala, evocative of the times when the Fords would have an orchestra brought down from Michigan and invite local students and guests to dance on the lawn, featured 18 vintage Ford automobiles that lined the drive to Richmond Hill Plantation. All events benefitted the Richmond Hill Historical Society’s Preservation Fund.

“The Richmond Hill Historical Society values the work of Arts On The Coast. Their images really capture life on the Georgia coast, both past and present. Their work, whether on display in public buildings or in private homes, serves as an educational tool for children and adults,” said Christy Sherman, president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society. “They have a way of bringing our historic and natural assets to life, and their talent is very valuable to our community.”