Holiday Dinner & Auction

Thank you to everyone who attended the Holiday Dinner!

32nd Annual Holiday Dinner & Auction Photos

Photos from the 32nd Annual Holiday Dinner & Auction that was held Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Thank you to Vlad Image Studio for photographing the evening!

Save the Date!

Holiday Dinner & Auction: December 6

Holiday Dinner & Auction Overview

Join Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites for a spectacular evening of delicious dining, fabulous cocktails, live music and auctions of original artwork and unique items in a white wonderland created by Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE. The dazzling décor sets the stage for you to bring the event to life with your own colorful attire.

• Benefactors’ Reception: 5:30 PM
• Guest Reception: 6:30 PM

Art Preview Reception – Benefactor Only

Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Luckenbach Mill

NEW! Extended hours Sunday, November 24 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Luckenbach Mill

Honorees

Individual Honoree – Charlene Donchez Mowers

For more than two decades, Charlene led HBMS in fulfilling its mission of bringing to life three centuries of Bethlehem’s rich history through preservation and education. As HBMS’ President, Charlene was responsible for overseeing all aspects of management for 20 historic buildings, 20 acres of land, 60,000 artifacts, 10,000 photographs, a research library, archival collections and more.

During her tenure, Charlene oversaw the restoration of the 1758/65 Nain-Schober House, construction of the Collections Resource Center at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, barn-raising of the Haas Barn at Burnside Plantation, preservation of the 1744/52 sections of the Single Sisters’ House, construction of the Smithy on its original foundation and the renovation of the 1869 Luckenbach Mill. She also oversaw two capital campaigns and the expansion of HBMS’ school programs and custom tours, as well as directed the development of Pennsylvania Academic Standards and Core Curriculum-based programs for K-12 students at HBMS’ museums and historic sites. In addition, she worked with Da Vinci Science Center to develop a STEM curriculum for grades 4-5 based on the early industries in Colonial Bethlehem.

Charlene worked tirelessly to achieve Smithsonian Affiliate status for HBMS, led the initiative and co-wrote the nominations to have Historic Moravian Bethlehem designated a National Historic Landmark District and played an essential role in helping to have the Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem inscribed on the prestigious World Heritage List.

Today, Charlene serves as Senior Advisor and Historian of the Bethlehem World Heritage Commission of the City of Bethlehem. She has received numerous honors for her efforts in gaining National Historic Landmark District status for Historic Moravian Bethlehem and her work on the transnational serial nomination of Moravian Church Settlements to the World Heritage List. Most recently, she was honored with the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards’ Henry A. Jordan Award, which recognizes outstanding historic preservation efforts on the local level.

An author and freelance writer, Charlene, along with co-author and former Central Moravian Church Senior Pastor Carol Reifinger, has written four mystery novels set in the Central Bethlehem National Register Historic District. These include Murder in God’s Acre (2019), Moravian Sugar Cake Mysteries (2017), Old Bethlehem Christmas Mysteries (2015) and Body in the Vat: Tales from the Tannery (2014). In addition, she was co-editor of Mind, Body, Spirit, a 250-year history of Moravian Academy.   

A native of Bethlehem, Charlene currently serves on the Discover Lehigh Valley Board of Directors. She has also served on several other boards and councils including Bethlehem Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem Board of Directors and the City of Bethlehem Mayor’s Task Force on Tourism. In addition, she has served as co-chair of the Lehigh Valley Industrial Heritage Coalition and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Moravian Academy.

Charlene earned her B.A. from Arcadia University, an M.A. from Temple University, and she received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Moravian University. She and her husband, George, reside in Bethlehem.

Business Honoree – Carol C. Dorey Real Estate, Inc.

A longtime Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites supporter and Kemerer Society Member, Carol Dorey received her B.S. degree in commercial art at Finch College and spent 14 years in corporate advertising, marketing and publicity in New York City and the Lehigh Valley. She became a realtor and co-owner of Dorey Real Estate in 1977 and has been the broker of record since 1993.

Carol is a member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, is listed in the National Register’s Who’s Who as a V.I.P. Professional and was nominated “Woman of the Year” by the American Biographical Institute. A member of the Education Committee of Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors, she is also an Allentown Symphony Society member and a Kress Society member of the Allentown Art Museum. She enjoys life at her historic, stone Bucks County farmhouse and on the ski slopes and the golf course.

Featured Artist – Sandra Corpora

Sandra Corpora’s painting “Winter’s Glow” masterfully captures the serene and historic essence of the Moravian settlement in Bethlehem. The composition is thoughtfully arranged, with the iconic church belfry and old chapel standing prominently, symbolizing the rich heritage of the community. The soft, diffused lighting creates a tranquil, almost ethereal atmosphere, emphasizing the peacefulness of a winter evening.

The artist’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the architectural features and the snow-covered landscape. The texture of the stone walls, the gentle slopes of the snow, and the delicate branches of the trees are all beautifully depicted, showcasing Corpora’s technical skill and deep appreciation for her subject matter. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the painting, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the scene.

Moreover, the subtle use of color enhances the nostalgic and reflective mood of the painting. The muted tones of the buildings and trees are contrasted with the warm, inviting glow of the lamps and windows, creating a harmonious balance that is visually pleasing and emotionally resonant. “Winter’s Glow” not only captures a specific moment in time but also evokes the timeless spirit of the Moravian community and its enduring legacy.

This evocative oil painting, soon to be the centerpiece of the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites annual Holiday Dinner auction, captures a serene winter scene at the heart of Bethlehem, PA. The focal point of the artwork is the iconic church belfry, which stands tall and proud, symbolizing the enduring spirit and history of the Moravian settlement. To its side, the old chapel, nestled in the courtyard, is bathed in the soft glow of twilight, its historical stonework beautifully detailed. The scene is brought to life with the delicate touches of snow that blanket the ground and trees, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.

“Winter’s Glow” holds profound historical significance as it encapsulates the essence of the founding of Bethlehem by the Moravians in 1741. The church belfry and chapel are not merely architectural landmarks; they are the very heart of the Moravian community’s spiritual and social life. Through its meticulous attention to detail and expressive use of light and color, the painting invites viewers to step back in time and appreciate the profound heritage of this historic town.

About the artist

The artist behind this exquisite painting is Sandra Corpora, a celebrated painter renowned for her ability to capture the beauty and emotion of her subjects. With a career spanning several decades, Sandra has honed her craft to become a master of light and color. Her works are characterized by their luminous quality and meticulous attention to detail, drawing viewers into the scenes she creates. Sandra’s artistic journey began in childhood, fueled by her love for nature and the world around her, eventually leading her to pursue formal training and a successful career as a professional artist.

Sandra’s paintings have been featured in numerous exhibitions and have garnered accolades for their depth and expressiveness. She is an award-winning signature member of prestigious art organizations, including the Oil Painters of America and American Women Artists. Sandra’s dedication to her art is evident in the vibrant and lifelike quality of her work, which often evokes a sense of peace and contemplation. Her ability to convey the essence of her subjects makes her paintings not just visual experiences but emotional ones as well.

In addition to her own artistic practice, Sandra is passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills with others. She is an accomplished art instructor, offering workshops and classes that inspire budding artists to explore their creativity and develop their techniques. Through her teaching, Sandra continues to contribute to the art community, nurturing the next generation of artists. Her work, including the painting for the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites auction, reflects her deep connection to her subjects and her commitment to capturing the beauty of the world in her unique and captivating style.