At the first ever Gala in Graceada event the well-heeled guests came in black tie and ball gowns, summer suits and slinky dresses. But no matter the finery they chose, they all shared a common mission — to support the efforts to improve Graceada Park in Modesto.
Gala in Graceada was the brainchild of a group of dedicated residents and hosted by the College Area Neighborhood Alliance, which is a part of Modesto Neighborhoods, Inc., a non-profit organization.
Some of the funds raised during the Gala in Graceada will be used to launch Sundays in Graceada, a free park program of activities for families and individuals. Sundays in Graceada started on Memorial Day and will run through Labor Day. The City of Modesto is opening the pool, Studio V and Core Fitness is providing complimentary Pilates and fitness classes, and the Boys and Girls Club of Stanislaus County is hosting several weekend events. The Barber family will be hosting a pool party later in the season and the organizers are taking signups from those interested in hosting activities.
The fundraising efforts from Gala in Graceada will also be going towards a revamp of the Boy Scout Clubhouse in Enslen Park. The Clubhouse is used for Boy Scout meetings and other community functions and large parties. The group would like install a pavilion and modernize the interior space.
The organization has been inspired by the past work done at the park, including the City of Modesto’s master plan update for Graceada and Enslen parks presented in 2017. Other groups and individuals have done their share as well, like the Barber family, who restored the pool and splash pad in 2018; the Leadership Modesto Class of 2018 for replacing the tot lot playground equipment; and the musical flowers flanking Graceada Park, donated by the Modesto Sunrise Rotary.
The Gala in Graceada will return in 2020, with the group going all out to celebrate Modesto’s 150th year. Next year’s project will be focused on restoring and improving Graceada Park’s iconic Mancini Bowl.
For more information and to see a list of upcoming events, visit galaingraceada.com.
