Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites celebrated 23 years of holiday fundraising at the annual Holiday Dinner & Art Auction Dec. 5 at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

The event helps raise funds to support, protect and maintain over 20 historic buildings and almost three centuries of history in Historic Bethlehem. Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is able to share its knowledge through exhibitions, tours and programs, all because of events like this.

The night kicked off a benefactors red carpet cocktail reception with the opening of the art and silent auctions in the beautiful Blast Furnace Room, accompanied by the sounds of The New Groove. Guests then enjoyed dinner in the Musikfest Café while taking part in the live auction, where they bid on exceptional items such as featured artwork “Christmas Morning in Bethlehem,” an original oil painting by local artist Ben Marcune, which sold for $6,300.

The 2015 individual honoree was Bruce Palmer, who has graciously donated his time, professional talents and leadership as board president for Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. The 2015 business honoree was National Penn Bank, a proud supporter of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.

Anne Rampolla chaired the holiday dinner and auction committee along with Nancy Ahlum, Peggy Baker, Jennifer Van De Voorde, Winnie Melinsky, Peggy Cook, Andrea Foucek, Dolly Dyer, Frances Kaufmann, Judy Savchak and Wendy Steed.

Notable attendees included: James and Tara Airoldi, Doug and Peggy Brown, Sheela and Tom Donchez, James and Terry Jacklin, Ashley and Joe Russo, Anthony and Jolene Scarcia, Dolly and Dave Dyer, Bruce and Judith Palmer, Jennifer and Mark Van de Voorde, Rob and Peg Albert, Joe and Debi Kochanasz, Jody and Gen Marcon, Keith and Susan Meier, John and Chrissy Wagner, and Maureen Topper.

PPL Corporation was a premier sponsor.

Historic Bethlehem is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a National Historic Landmark District. For more information please call 1-800-360-TOUR or visit www.HistoricBethlehem.org.