I ♥ Ralston Hall.
No, that's not a bumper sticker on my Civic. Nor is it a patch on my messenger bag. It's my life for the past five and a half years.
I was officially introduced to Ralston Hall Mansion in 2005 when I visited Notre Dame de Namur University for Argo Day, but I didn't become a part of the building until fall 2006 when I started a student labor job in the Advancement office. I've been working in the mansion since then, as a student laborer in the Communications office, and now a full-timer.
It's a special place, with the grandieur of the ballroom, but it's also a mysterious place, filled with whispers of ghosts. But most importantly, it's been my second home in Belmont for almost six years now.
And I'm not alone. Some of the students at NDNU love Ralston Hall so much, they've organized a fundraiser to help fix it. If you aren't aware, the university announced earlier this year that the mansion would be closed indefinitely, in response to an engineering analysis that concluded that Ralston Hall may not survive another big earthquake.
I've been out of Ralston Hall for a couple of weeks now, and there's really something to say for working in a historical building. I've had people say to me, "Wow, you work in THAT?" Even though my office wasn't much of an eye-pleaser, working in a "regular office building" just doesn't compare. Being a part of Ralston Hall is an experience, an ambiance. You're part of something special.
So the students are stepping up with the "We ♥ Ralston Dance-A-Thon" March 24-25. You may have sponsored someone at $5 a mile, for example, for Relay for Life, or a jog-a-thon. The principle is the same - participants will gather sponsorships to dance for certain periods of time. Attendees watching the Dance-A-Thon can enjoy music spanning many decades, starting with the 1940s, watch a dance squad performance, and kids can partcipate in a variety of games and activities. All proceeds will benefit the Ralston Hall Restoration Fund. Check out NDNU's website for more information about the "We ♥ Ralston Dance-A-Thon" and consider joining us this weekend.
Because, I hope you ♥ Ralston too. ;)
