LIMA, OH (WLIO) - For 40 years, the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center has been the home to a lot of great memories for local residents.
For 40 years, the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center has been the home to a lot of great memories for local residents.
The landscape in downtown Lima changed dramatically when buildings were brought down to make way for the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center. Then in 1984, the center opened, bringing in such famous Lima area natives as Hugh Downs, Phyllis Diller, and Helen O'Connell to welcome a new era of events and entertainment for west central Ohio. For the next four decades, there have been concerts, recitals, presidential candidates, weddings, and graduations, all bringing people to downtown Lima. But as the downtown continues to evolve, the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center will be at the heart of it all.
Looking back with Your Hometown Stations: Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center Opens in Lima
"We are seeing it—all the development that is happening in the downtown. I know it's taken some time, but the economy takes some time, and the fact that this has been here and has still been that beacon to drive people to downtown. To drive reason to want to come to downtown is truly important and truly special, and to see all of that developing around us now is even more special," says Abe Ambroza, CEO of the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center.
There will be a 40th Anniversary Gala to honor the legacy of the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center and the future of the premiere event center.
This Thursday there will be a 40th Anniversary Gala to honor the legacy of the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center and the future of the premiere event center.
"We are remembering how this building came to be, how this business has been managed for 40 years, and all the contributions. All the help that we have received from the community. Some of the special people that really made this happen and have also helped to make sure it has been sustainable and has been able to continue for years and years," adds Ambroza.
You can reserve your tickets by going to the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center's website at https://www.limaciviccenter.com/.
There are tickets still available for the 40th Anniversary Gala. The toast starts at 5:30 and the entertainment with live local bands at 6:30. Tickets are $75 a piece, or $400 for a table of eight. You can reserve yours by going to the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center's website at https://www.limaciviccenter.com/. The Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center is located at 7 Town Square, Lima, OH 45801.
INTERVIEW: Abe Ambroza gives us a preview of what's happening at the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center!
Civic Center Foundation Celebrates 40 Years of Extraordinary Moments
Join Us for a Gala Event to Remember on Thursday, October 17
October 15, 2024, Press Release from the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center: LIMA, OH- The Civic Center Foundation is excited to host the 40th Anniversary Gala in celebration of the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center (VMCCC) and its forty years of service to the Lima/Allen County community. This special event will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, marking four decades since the VMCCC first opened its doors in 1984.
The Gala is the Foundation’s annual signature fundraiser, supporting the ongoing mission of preserving the Civic Center and enriching the arts in the region. It will also serve as a tribute to the many performances and events that have shaped the VMCCC's legacy over the years.
The Gala will feature:
- Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and small plates crafted by celebrated local chefs Alisa Schmiedebusch and Matthew Young.
- A cash bar all evening with a complimentary champagne toast in Crouse Performance Hall’s lobby
- Live entertainment by local artists, featuring music from memorable past productions.
- A silent auction to benefit future programming and maintenance of the Civic Center.
“This event is a tribute to the storied history of the Civic Center,” said Abe Ambroza, CEO of the VMCCC. “We invite everyone who has been a part of this journey to join us in celebrating forty years of bringing the arts to Lima and Allen County.”
“This is more than just a celebration of the past,” said Carmen Cecala-Wells, Director of Development. “It’s an exciting opportunity to look forward and ensure the Civic Center remains a vibrant part of our community for the next 40 years and beyond.”
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, October 17 2024
- Time: 5:30-6:30 PM in Crouse Performance Hall’s Lobby and 6:30-8:30 PM in Exhibit Hall
- Location: Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center at 7 Town Square, Lima, OH
- Dress Code: Black-tie requested
- Tickets: Individual tickets are $75, and tables of eight are $400. Tickets can be purchased online at limaciviccenter.com or by calling Carmen Cecala-Wells at 419-224-5222.
Seating is limited. Local media are invited to cover this milestone event, and special media accommodations are available upon request. For media inquiries and credentials, please contact Carmen Cecala-Wells.
The Civic Center Foundation looks forward to celebrating the VMCCC’s remarkable history and its continued role as a cultural hub for the community.
For additional information or to buy tickets, visit limaciviccenter.com or call the Main Office at 419-224-5222.
