With a site full of history, it’s not surprising to hear that lots of different things are going on with the Scripps Mansion.
According to Executive Director and Curator Leslie Pielack, inside the mansion they will soon begin work on restoring the character of the various bedrooms. Also, once the weather starts cooperating, work will begin on restoring the grounds. Pielack said they are working on grants for both of these projects.
Another way some restoration and preservation at the estate will be possible is through the recently developed Friends of the William E. Scripps Estate.
Pielack said that the ‘Friends? are for people that not only wish to help preserve and restore the estate, but also want to form a relationship with the mansion.
‘If you’re looking to form a special connection here, then the membership is the way to start,? she added.
Both individuals and businesses can become members on different level tiers (as a Prospicio Society Fellow, Patron of the Estate or Friend of the Estate) through annual membership fees.
‘The goal (of the Friends) us to raise funds and resources to restore the mansion,? Pielack said. ‘Every dollar that we raise through the membership fees go towards the restoration and preservation of the mansion.?
The Friends are a restoration and preservation arm of Guest House and, therefor, are a 501(c)3 organization.
Those that are interested in becoming a Friend can call (248)391-4445 or visit www.friendsofscrippsestate.org.
Pielack recommends that anyone who is interested should get involved, as ‘anyone becoming a Friend at any level (this year) will be permanently recognized as a founding member.?
With the development of the Friends, as well as the presence of Guest House, there are be many upcoming events in supporting the mansion.
On Sunday, March 9, the Guest House Development Office is hosting the fifth annual ‘Giving In Style? Celebrity Fashion Show at the Somerset Inn in Troy.
Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with boutique shopping, lunch at noon and the runway show beginning at 12:30 p.m.
The fashion show features local celebrity models, including Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, former Detroit Lion Eric Hipple and many local radio and television personalities.
Tickets for the event are $50 and benefit mansion restoration. For more information, call (248)391-4445. At the event, the Friends of the William E. Scripps Estate will also be raffling off a ‘Tour & Dinner at the Mansion,? which features a specially prepared gourmet dinner for 12 and private tour at the historic mansion.
Tickets are $20 each, and ticket holders do not have to be present at the time of the drawing. To purchase raffle tickets, contact the Guest House Development Office at the number above.