By JESSICA VANDERGRAFF
Submitted
On Feb. 2 Savor Noblesville played host to its fourth annual fundraising gala at the historic Mill Top Banquet & Conference Center, located in downtown Noblesville.
This much-anticipated social event, often selling out in advance, encourages vendors and community members to come together in support of North Elementary School’s PTO programs. According to the Noblesville Preservation Alliance, the elementary school located at 440 N. 10th St., just north of Downtown, is the oldest established elementary school in Noblesville, now built where the First Ward School stood until its demolition in 1967.
During Savor Noblesville, teachers, faculty, and community members alike gathered in the very spaces where the Noblesville Millers received their namesake. The Model Mill building that now houses “Mill Top” has a storied history, spanning over 150 years. Founded in 1865, the building’s original purpose was to produce Kismet Flour. The Noblesville High School’s “Millers” were named as such in homage. Much of the Model Mill building’s original architecture was able to be preserved throughout the years – including the famous smokestack that still comprises part of the unique Noblesville skyline.
Funding raised during Savor Noblesville supports most North’s PTO based activities. According to its website, “The PTO helps to fill the gap between the resources available and the needs of the school. The PTO helps fund field trips, guest speakers and other special learning opportunities for the students. We show appreciation to the teachers and staff; we are involved in the community, and sometimes fund the purchase of special materials or staff training. We also sponsor a lot of fun things such as the ice cream social, movie nights, room parties and the crazy carnival!”
Savor Noblesville is organized by a steering committee of volunteers from the PTO, teachers, and Noblesville Schools Education Foundation. The event and its accompanying silent auction proved to be a huge success. According to Mr. Robert Lugo, North Elementary’s principal, over $20,000 was raised in funding for the PTO. All attendees enjoyed an evening of sampling various foods, craft beer and locally produced wines. An exclusive VIP hour was also provided to select sponsors and ticket holders, complete with music and libations.
Already looking forward to next year’s Savor Noblesville, Rocky Shanehsaz, the owner of Mill Top Banquet and Conference Center, said he will continue supporting Noblesville Schools. As part of his longstanding community outreach efforts, Shanehsaz has provided the space as a donation every year.