The Grace Museum organized their fourth annual Valentine’s Day event, Love Around the World, on Feb. 14.
Lori Thornton, Director of Marketing and Communications at The Grace, said the event had a larger turnout this year.
“Around the World at The Grace began in 2016 as an annual fundraiser for the museum,” Thornton said. “This year, we decided to connect it more specifically with Valentine’s Day to give couples – and even friends – a unique, fun option for a Valentine’s night out splurge.”
Throughout the event, attendees went “globe-hopping” around the museum, visiting four specific regions of the world: Brazil, China, Scotland and California’s Napa Valley.
The event featured food and drinks from the regions they originated in. Attendees were invited to dress in something inspired by one of the featured regions.
Love Around the World did not cater exclusively to couples, but was meant to be inclusive for anyone interested.
“By no means is this event only for couples,” Thornton said. “It is a fun date and we have mostly couples attend, but many people attend by themselves or with a group of friends and have a great time.”
Thornton said approximately 150 people attended the event.
The Grace Museum has several events each month available to the community. The museum’s Love Around the World event is unique Valentine’s Day event in Abilene, making it different from most.
“This event is unique because it is one of two large fundraisers we hold each year to raise money for The Grace,” said Thornton. “Much effort is put into making it fun and something interesting that people will want to attend. No other organization in town is holding an event like this one.”
Thornton said the event is The Grace Museum’s first fundraiser of the year and is meant to benefit the museum’s educational programs and exhibitions for all upcoming events this year, which The Grace is primarily known for.
The Grace will have art and history exhibitions in the spring and summer.
Thornton said she cannot wait for the public’s reactions.
“We hope people will continue participating in our programs and events offered for children, adults and families throughout the year,” Thornton said.