MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an inaugural gala on Dec. 2.
Held at The Ohio State Reformatory, the event will offer live music, dancing, dinner and a silent auction, all in support of the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society.
The non-profit organization maintains and operates the Reformatory, a historic prison that operated from 1896 to 1990. It shares its 30th anniversary year with “The Shawshank Redemption,” which was filmed at the Reformatory and released in 1994.
Shawshank Redemption 30th anniversary coverage
Program Director Ashleigh Ramey said the society plans to make the gala an annual event, though the theme will change each year.
“We thought for this first one, we’re going to go formal, make it a classy party,” she said. “For the next one, we’re thinking casino night — a little more laid back, a little chill.
“We know our audiences here at the Reformatory vary vastly, so we want everybody to find something over time they are going to come enjoy,” she added.”
Ramey said the gala was initially conceived as just a celebration, but the preservation society later decided to turn it into a fundraiser.
“It kind of transformed over the planning process to a party with a purpose,” Ramey said. “At the start of next year, we’re going to be really working hard on a capital improvement fund. That’s kind of what this gala is aimed at — announcing that.”
Ramey said the capital campaign aims to raise $8 million over five years. The funds will be used to address restoration projects like replacing the roof, addressing basement flooding, restoring the west cell block and installing heating systems to enhance the winter experience for visitors.
“We have some massive projects here that we need to undertake if we want to make sure that the dormitory stays as open and available as it is right now to our guests,” she said.
Event will feature a raffle drawing for west block cell naming rights
Guests will gather in the central guard room, where the Shawshank Swing Band will play a mix of jazz and R&B hits from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Guests will be encouraged to get up and dance.
The silent auction will include Shawshank memorabilia signed by the cast and artwork crafted with materials salvaged from the Reformatory. There will also be a variety of donated goods and experiences from businesses like the Renaissance Performing Arts Association and Buckeye Imagination Museum.
Restaurant gift cards, spa trips and golf outings will also be up for grabs, as well as private ghost tours and escape room experiences from the Reformatory.
The Reformatory will also be raffling off the naming rights for one of the west cell block cells.
“As part of the restoration fundraising, we are welcoming individuals and organizations to ‘sponsor a cell,'” Ramey said.
“We have had them available for the past six months and have local organizations and individuals already taking advantage of that sponsorship opportunity,” she continued.
“The tickets are $50 each and can be purchased along with event registration or will be available to purchase onsite at the gala as well.”
Guests will enjoy a gourmet dining experience catered by Taste of Excellence from Cleveland. The menu includes a poached pear salad, an entrée trio featuring braised short rib, chicken madeira, and scallops Rockefeller, followed by a tuxedo cake for dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options will be available.
In addition to the night’s festivities, attendees will have the opportunity to take home a complimentary souvenir photo at the photo booth.
Formal attire is requested for the gala, with ladies in dresses and gentlemen in suits and ties. Tickets are priced at $175 per person, which includes an open bar. The last day to purchase tickets is November 29.
The gala is open to the public. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society’s website.
