Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center celebrates 40th anniversary

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - The Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center welcomed everyone in on Thursday to celebrate a major milestone. 

The Civic Center Foundation hosted the 40th Anniversary Gala to show their appreciation to the public and donors who have kept the venue going for so long. The evening also included a special performance by two musicians who played at the Civic Center when it first opened back in 1984. 

Officials say they're proud of not only the history of A-list talent and family and business events they've hosted over the last decades, but also the impact their work has had on the city of Lima. 

"We hear that from our restaurant owners, and we also hear that from our public, of 'Wow, I definitely knew there was something going on at the Civic Center because it was hard to get a seat,' the restaurants are full, businesses are doing well. And now we're seeing that development in downtown too, with all the new restaurants that have been opened up, new businesses, new shopping, new things that are happening right outside of our doors. We're very proud that that's been able to happen," said Abe Ambroza, the CEO of the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center. 

Ticket sales and proceeds from a silent auction will help the Civic Center Foundation continue improving the facilities and bring more entertainment downtown.