Thank You, Party Pics From 15th Anniversary Gala

Our 15th Anniversary Gala was a fabulous party! 

A HUGE thank you to Jane Curran and Beth Wierling for creating a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable Gala! 

Many thanks to our gala guests, sponsors, wonderful volunteers, auction item donors, Ben Gardner's Boat, THE BLACK BOX, Restaurant 3, and everyone who helped make our gala an event to remember. 

These photos (and more!) courtesy of Paul Vicario, Vicario Studio. 

See more photos at https://goo.gl/photos/VLQZjGTLvUZuKdnY6

The sponsors for our gala:

Platinum:                    Dean Bank

Bronze:                       Franklin Cultural District
                                   Franklin Public Schools - Lifelong Learning
                                   Local Town Pages
                                   Middlesex Savings Bank

Friends:                      Coldwell Banker - Suzanne Ranieri
                                   Dean College
                                   Green Mountain Chocolate
                                   Hockomock Area YMCA
                                   Jane's Frames
                                   Sally's Alley
                                   Simon's Furniture

Read the Milford Daily News interview with Executive Director Lisa Piana here.

Milford Daily News' Story About 15th Anniversary Gala

In the news today -- the Milford Daily News had this article about our 15th Anniversary Fundraising celebration and successes.

Franklin partnership celebrating its 15th year

By Mike Gleason
Daily News Staff
FRANKLIN - The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, looking back on a period of immense change in the area.

The partnership will be officially noting the birthday this weekend, with a gala set to take place Saturday night at the Black Box.

Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana said the group began with a handful of business owners, who decided to work with the town to revitalize downtown. in 2001. Piana herself joined as director in 2005.

"In 2005, there were 15 members; now, there are more than 250," she said. "We've really grown as an organization, and we've worked hand-in-hand with the town."

Among the items the partnership has promoted, said Piana, is the idea that there should be meeting spaces for people in the area.

"The patio by the Cake Bar is something that the partnership was very vocal about," she said. The group was able to convince a developer to leave space for the patio between two commercial buildings, she said.

That idea will be reflected in the greenspace that will be set up at the intersection of Emmons and West Central streets, Piana said. That area, which will feature a statue of native son Horace Mann, will sit next to a new commercial building.

Piana said volunteers are tremendously important to what the partnership does, and that volunteers like Eileen Mason - who leads a group that plants flowers in downtown - and those who participate in the "Food Elves" food drive are integral to its mission.

The partnership's efforts, Piana said, are made possible by relationships it has developed with local groups.

"The thing I'm most proud of is the working relationship between the town and the partnership," she said. "We get calls asking about the secret to our success, and it has a lot to do with the positive thinking and attitudes of town officials and organizations like Dean College and Dean Bank."

After celebrating the area's past 15 years, the partnership will be meeting to consider its future.

"I think we'll be getting together in January to answer those questions," Piana said. "We want to support businesses more and encourage new businesses to move in. We also want to get residents more involved."

Piana said the partnership and the town's Planning Department had been working to determine how to best fill the area after the completion of the streetscape project.

"To me, personally, it's just a privilege to work with so many great people," she said. "So many people are dedicated to the goal of revitalizing downtown."

15th Anniversary Gala Press Release

Downtown Partnership to Celebrate 15th Anniversary with Gala  

What better way to celebrate 15 years of events, accomplishments and service to Franklin residents and businesses than with a big party? That’s what the Franklin Downtown Partnership thinks, too!

Join the FDP and friends at its anniversary fundraiser gala on Saturday, November 12, at THE BLACK BOX for an evening of fine food, fundraising and music. Doors open at 6 p.m. and there will be a cash bar. Attire is “cocktail party.”  

 “With our 15^th Anniversary Gala we are first celebrating the accomplishment of many of the goals we started with 15 years ago. Secondly, we are recognizing how the FDP has taken on a new shape through the new vision created by a growing body of members who care about the downtown. Thirdly, we are acknowledging that no change occurs without the hard work and dedication of many volunteers,” says Jane Curran, owner of Jane’s Frames, founding member of the FDP and gala co-organizer.  

“Our Gala gives everyone who has been involved in the downtown revitalization projects over the past 15 years a chance to celebrate together and to look forward to the next chapter in our town,” adds Nicole Fortier, Partnership president. 

The party will be about and by some of the best Franklin has to offer. Bob Ward, Franklin resident and FOX25 news reporter, will emcee the festivities. Enjoy music by local band Ben Gardner’s Boat, featuring attorney and state representative Jeff Roy on guitar. Restaurant 3 will cater delicious hearty appetizers and a pasta station, and gala guests will bid on exciting auction and raffle items and baskets of goodies donated by local merchants.

Tickets are on sale now for $100 each. There are two ways to purchase tickets: online at www.fdp15thanniversaryceleb.eventbrite.com (includes a $5.99/ticket service fee) or in person at Jane’s Frames. Tickets will be available through Tuesday, November 2.

Proceeds from ticket sales, auction and raffle items, and sponsorships will help financially support the Partnership’s future efforts as a voice of downtown Franklin and operation of its events.

The Partnership is grateful for the generous sponsorship of the gala. Dean Bank is a Platinum sponsor of this event. Bronze sponsors are Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, Local Town Pages, Middlesex Savings Bank and the Town of Franklin.

Friends sponsors are Dean College, Green Mountain Chocolates, Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch, Jane’s Frames, Suzanne Ranieri, Sally’s Alley and Simon’s Furniture.

Attending the gala gives guests a good way to connect with the community at large, along with business leaders, town staff and government officials. It’s also an opportunity to see the FDP’s impact on the revitalization of Franklin’s downtown, according to co-organizer Beth Wierling.

“Every time I walk and drive through downtown I see the results of community involvement. I live downtown and I want the area to be the place to go to shop, eat and do errands. Being a member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership enables me to have a voice and truly help revitalize Franklin’s already great downtown,” says Wierling.

In 2001, eight business owners and residents who were interested in revitalizing the town’s downtown center created the non-profit Franklin Downtown Partnership. By 2015 the organization had grown to nearly 200 member businesses, groups and residents, many of whom have been members for more than 10 years.

The Partnership is well known for creating and running the popular Harvest Stroll, Holiday Stroll and Strawberry Stroll events. It’s also had a hand in at least 25 projects over the past 15 years, including new buildings on East Central and Summer streets, greenspace installations, downtown gateway signs, and creation of a statue in front of the Historical Museum. The group was heavily involved in planning the recently completed Downtown Streetscape and Roadway Improvement project.

 “I’m most proud of the changes in our downtown as older buildings have been replaced or restored, building owners have taken a new pride in their property, and many traffic issues have been solved,” says Curran. “Our downtown has become a welcoming, vibrant community that we can all be proud of.” 

For more information about the 15^th Anniversary Gala, to donate auction and raffle items, or to sponsor the event, contact Jane Curran, janeframe@verizon.net, or Beth Wierling, wierling.beth@gmail.com.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership welcomes volunteers and new members. To learn more about the group, it’s history, it’s events, and how you can get involved, visit

www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.   

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Buy Gala Tickets Through November 2

Party with the Partnership!

You can still buy tickets to our 15-Year Anniversary Gala! Follow this link to buy tickets online (www.fdp15thanniversaryceleb.eventbrite.com) or stop into Jane's Frames or the FDP office to buy them in person. Tickets are available until Wednesday, November 2, at the end of the day.

Participate in a raffle of gift baskets and a silent auction of exceptional items donated by our wonderful local businesses. Dance to music by Ben Gardner's Boat, featuring Representative Jeff Roy. Fox 25 News Reporter Bob Ward will emcee the night. Enjoy heavy appetizers and pasta catered by 3 Restaurant. All of this happens in downtown Franklin at THE BLACK BOX!

Won't you join us? 

Sponsorship and Program Ad Opportunities for the FDP Gala

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is excited to be celebrating our 15-Year Anniversary at the upcoming Gala.  We hope you will be able to join in the celebration since you have been an important contributor to our successes over these many years!

Below is an opportunity to help the FDP continue our work by being a Gala sponsor or by placing an ad in the program booklet.

Please email the office if you are interested by October 28th so we can make sure you are included in this special one-time opportunity.

And thank you again for all of your continued support! We hope to see you at the Gala!


Download the Gala Sponsorship Letter

Download the Gala Sponsorship Form

15th Anniversary Gala Forms: Donations, Sponsorships, Auction Items

On November 12, the Franklin Downtown Partnership will celebrate it's 15th Anniversary with a Gala at THE BLACK BOX. 

The goal of the Gala is to celebrate the revitalization of downtown Franklin and to raise funds that will allow our non-profit organization continue working on improvements and bringing events such as the Harvest Stroll, Holiday Stroll and Strawberry Stroll to the community.

The Partnership is looking for sponsors and donations for the silent auction to be held that night. Below you'll find the Gala Donation Letter, the Gala Sponsorship Letter and the Auction Item Donation Sheet.

Questions? Contact event co-chair Beth Wierling at wierling.beth@gmail.com.

Gala Donation Letter

Gala Sponsorship Letter

Auction Item Donation Sheet

15th Anniversary Gala Invitation

You are invited to our 15th Anniversary Gala! It'll be a fun night of great food, music and friends, and we'll have amazing auction and raffle items donated by local businesses to bid on. 

Tell your friends, share this invitation, and buy your tickets today! Go to www.fdp15thanniversaryceleb/eventbrite.com for tickets and information.

Download your invitation here.

Anniversary Fundraiser Gala Press Release

Franklin Downtown Partnership to Host Anniversary Gala

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will host an anniversary fundraiser gala on Saturday, November 12, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX to celebrate 15 years of service to the residents and businesses of Franklin.

Enjoy entertainment, dancing and mingling, and a chance to win auction and raffle items from local merchants as you view the new look of our downtown. Meet FDP members, learn more about the non-profit organization, and see what future plans hold for downtown Franklin.

Tickets are $100 per person and will go on sale in September.  Sponsorships are welcome; contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com if interested.

If you would like to donate auction or raffle items, or to volunteer to help with the event, please contact event organizers Beth Wierling, wierling.beth@gmail.com, or Jane Curran, janeframe@gmail.com.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th year as a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of 200 member businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. New members are always welcome. Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.    

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Pictured L-R:  Nicole Fortier, President of the Partnership for 11 years;
Lisa Piana, Executive Director of the Partnership for 12 years. 

Click here to download this press release. 

What Has The FDP Been Doing For 15 Years?

You've visited, walked by or driven past these places and things for years, yet have you ever stopped to think how they came to be? 

Here are some of the projects and events the Franklin Downtown Partnership has created or been involved with since 2001:

1 - The multi-year $7.25 million Streetscape Improvement Project 

2 - The Franklin Commons Development

3 - The Cake Bar patio on East Central Street

4 - The Summer Street patio area and green space

5 - The green space sitting area on West Central Street

6 - The design of the green space in front of the Historical Museum

7 - The bronze statue of the straw hat boy in front of the Historical Museum

8 - The park benches in downtown

9 - The downtown changeable gateway signs

10 - The new trash and recycling barrels

11 - The downtown holiday decorations and lights 

12 - Beautification and flowers throughout the downtown

13 - The launch and early management of the Farmers’ Market

14 - The Food Elves “12 Days of Donating” campaign

15 - The Franklin downtown map and brochure

16 - Emmons Street development property

17 - The 150 Emmons Street green space and Horace Mann Statue 

18 - Franklin High School scholarships

19 - On-going Economic Development 

20 - The Annual Strawberry Stroll

21 - The Annual October Stroll

22 - The Annual Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting

23 - Progressive Dinner and Third Thursday Events

24 - On-going community outreach and business support

25 - Won’t you join us this year for our next exciting downtown project?