Cairo Historical Group to hold Annual Fundraiser

Location of the 2nd Annual event will be on the grounds of Cairo's magnificent 1869 Magnolia Manor. The 2022 inaugural event was attended by nearly 200 current and former residents and state and local officials.

Cairo, IL— MARCH 27, 2023 — The Cairo Historical Preservation Project, Inc. (TCHPP) will be hosting their 2nd Annual Cairo Magnolia Celebration on Saturday, May 6. The fundraiser will once again be held on the grounds of the historic 1869 Magnolia Manor at 2700 Washington Avenue in Cairo. Individual and group tickets are on sale now through April 22 on the TCHPP website and in person at the Cairo Public Library, 1609 Washington Avenue.

According to Robbin Ramey-Patterson, board director and event chairperson, “This year’s Celebration theme is Home is Where the Heart Is – Connecting the Generations. We want to bring together people of all generations and walks of life to pass down our common love of Historical Cairo.”

Last year’s inaugural Cairo Magnolia Celebration had close to 200 people in attendance, including current and former residents and state and local officials. Nearly $20,000 was raised to benefit four primary city historical treasures: the Cairo Public Library, the Custom House Museum, Magnolia Manor, and Ward Chapel AME Church.

This unique hometown event begins with check-in at 9:00 am and lasts until mid-afternoon. Exclusive, guided tours (with complimentary shuttle service) of all four Project buildings will be available at designated intervals. Food and refreshments, entertainment, and an important report on TCHPP’s preservation progress round out the program. For the most current information, please follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts or check our website.

(L to R) Don Patton, board president for The Cairo Historical Preservation Project, Inc., IL State Senator Dale Fowler, TCHPP, Inc. founder and board director Pete Kaha, Cairo mayor Thomas Simpson.

The Cairo Historical Preservation Project, Inc. was founded in 2021 by Cairo native and current board director Pete Kaha. Its non-profit mission is to preserve and protect the historical resources of the city. Donations to TCHPP can be designated towards specific buildings or to general fund needs. And since the group received its 501C3 status early last year, gifts are tax-deductible.

When asked what makes this new Cairo non-profit different, TCHPP president Don E. Patton stated, “Our board, advisors, and volunteers are a pro-active, diverse team of former and current residents. Although from different walks of life and different generations, but we banded together during the Pandemic because we saw an urgent need. What we all share is a love of Cairo, our hometown, and we want to preserve and protect its history while applauding the city’s needed economic renewal.”

TCHPP’s vision to accomplish this is three-pronged: awareness and fundraising for historic locations; promoting community inclusivity, education, and tourism; and identifying and establishing younger leadership to sustain the Project’s goals for years to come.

The event ticket includes exclusive tours of four of Cairo's historic architectural jewels, including Magnolia Manor.

Proceeds will go towards the organization's mission of preserving and protecting Cairo's historical resources, including the four main Project buildings: the Cairo Safford Public Library, the Cairo Custom House museum, the Ward Chapel AME Church, and the Magnolia Manor.