Comstock Foundation’s Inaugural Gala: A Sold-Out Celebration of Preservation and Community

The Comstock Foundation for History & Culture’s first-ever Gala was a sold-out
success! Held on Nov. 15, 2025, inside the storied walls of the Gold Hill Hotel,
the evening brought together local officials, historians, preservation advocates, and
supporters from across the region — all united by a shared commitment to protecting the Comstock’s living history.

In the warm, historic glow of Nevada’s oldest operating hotel, guests enjoyed an
evening of fine dining, community conversation, and an exceptional raffle filled
with handcrafted and historically inspired items. A standout piece — a barbecue meat hook forged from an original railroad tie — symbolized the volunteer-driven effort to bring blacksmithing classes back to the Donovan Mill. Additional treasures included a pure Comstock Silver Medallion and rare archival photographs, each offering a glimpse into the people and work that shaped the Comstock.

The night also featured stories of innovation, resilience, and legacy, including the
history of the Donovan Mill and the remarkable individuals who continue to shape its restoration today. A moment of unexpected generosity — a surprise contribution to a local youth sports program — reminded everyone that the Foundation’s mission is built not only on preservation, but on community.

We are proud to share that the Gala raised $6,520 to support the Foundation’s
preservation work — an extraordinary milestone for our first event. Even more
meaningful, the evening helped us welcome new members into the Foundation,
expanding the circle of advocates dedicated to protecting and celebrating the
Comstock.

This night would not have been possible without the generosity of the Gold Hill Hotel, which graciously donated the venue space and the proceeds from ticket sales to benefit the Foundation’s mission. Their support reflects the collaborative spirit that has always defined the Comstock.

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to the individuals and businesses who donated raffle items, helping make the evening such a tremendous success: Don and Elaine Bergstrom, Comstock Inc., Wes Francis, the Odeon, the Comstock Foundation, Gary Foote, Alexia Sober, and Joe Curtis. Your contributions made a meaningful difference and added to the joy and excitement of the night.

We offer our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, supported, volunteered, or encouraged this inaugural event. Your enthusiasm strengthens our efforts and ensures that the stories, structures, and spirit of the Comstock will endure for generations.

As momentum builds, we look forward to hosting more community events, welcoming even more members, and continuing our Comstock Lecture Series, which brings history, scholarship, and conversation together in the heart of the Comstock. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to participate.

Learn more about our mission, membership, and upcoming programs at
www.comstockfoundation.org.