By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

The Rochester Junior Woman’s Club held a “Raise the Roof” fund-raiser in April and recently donated $27,500 in proceeds to the restoration of Meadow Brook Hall (MBH) as part of the university’s newly launched comprehensive campaign, Innovation and Opportunity – The Campaign for Oakland University.

The money will be used to repair silk wall coverings in the bedroom of Matilda Wilson, Oakland University’s co-founder. The Rochester Junior Woman’s Club decided to fund repairs to the wall coverings after touring the hall and learning about critical maintenance areas, according to Shannon O’Berski, educational services coordinator at MBH.

"The Rochester Junior Woman's Club’s large and generous donation will make a major difference in our efforts to preserve the hall for current and future generations to experience," said Geoff Upward, interim director of Meadow Brook Hall. "And, I think it is especially fitting that the club chose to support the replacement of the wall covering in Matilda Wilson's bedroom, since Matilda was so actively engaged as a community leader.

“But, as important as the gift is, we are equally as impressed with the tremendous community support and hours of work that the gift represents. Meadow Brook Hall is clearly a national treasure, and the club's generosity and the large turnout at the auction are testaments to the Rochester community's interest in the building's preservation. We are most grateful for the support."

Held at the Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester, the fund-raiser featured a strolling buffet, open bar, live music and silent auction. A check for the proceeds was presented to Upward and Kelly Glaza, assistant to the director of Meadow Brook Hall, during a ceremony at the hall on June 16.

The Rochester Junior Woman’s Club has more than 75 members and has been serving the Rochester community since 1956, promoting education, preserving natural resources, working to benefit the elderly and supporting the arts in the community by raising more than $500,000 for scholarship and community programs.

The City of Rochester and Oakland University have a long history dating to the university’s founding in 1959. Building on this historic connection, close proximity and mutual interest to establish a cooperative venture, the university and city formalized an agreement to partner on a variety of reciprocal business and academic ventures in fall 2003. The partnership presents many exciting opportunities for students, alumni, business owners, residents, faculty and staff to benefit from joint educational and cultural programming such as employment, internships, research and development projects, business development assistance, community service projects, promotions and business discounts, and opportunities to showcase the arts, theatre and music to complement classroom work.

MBH is open for guided tours every day at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Meadow Brook Hall Web site or call (248) 364-6200.