Brookfield Gala 2025 Event Report: A Celebration of Community

On Friday, April 11, 2025, the Friends of Brookfield, Inc. proudly hosted its inaugural Brookfield Gala at the historic Salem Cross Inn in Brookfield, MA. This memorable evening brought together residents, local leaders, and supporters for a night of elegant dining, live music, dancing, a vibrant silent auction, and the presentation of the first-ever Distinguished Citizen Award. The event not only fostered camaraderie and celebrated the spirit of Brookfield but also raised vital funds to support our mission of enhancing the quality of life in the community through economic development, community initiatives, and historic preservation.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this inaugural gala a resounding success. A special thank you to our generous sponsors: Southbridge Credit Union, Smokestack Lightning, Inc., Cornerstone Bank, Hometown Mental Health & Wellness, Oakholm Farm Estate, Willow Brook Academy, and St. Mary’s Credit Union, whose support was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. We are also immensely thankful to the numerous individuals and businesses who generously donated items to our silent auction, contributing to an exciting array of offerings that delighted attendees and boosted our fundraising efforts. Additionally, we appreciate the dedicated volunteers and team members who assisted with event setup and breakdown, ensuring everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Finally, a heartfelt thanks to Salem Cross Inn for graciously hosting the event and providing a picturesque and historic backdrop that perfectly captured the essence of Brookfield.

As we reflect on the evening’s highlights, including the honoring of Art and Elizabeth Jay with the inaugural Distinguished Citizen Award (now renamed in their honor), we are inspired by the community’s unwavering commitment to making Brookfield a thriving place for all.

Financial Breakdown

  • Total Expenses for the Event: [To be determined]
  • Total Earned from Ticket Sales, Sponsorships, and Silent Auction Proceeds: [To be determined]
  • Net Proceeds from the Event: [To be determined]

Photo Gallery