WHAT IS THE MEANING OF KEECHONG?

The first Keechong Dinner in 1879 was a celebratory gathering of present and former partners in the major American China trading company of Russell & Co., including Forbes brothers Robert Bennet and John Murray. The businessmen would reflect on the past year, acknowledge notable achievements, and discuss future plans for their thriving enterprise. “Keechong” referred to the company’s blue and white flag and means “the Flag of American Prosperity.” Today, the Keechong Dinner is the Forbes House Museum’s signature fundraising event.

INTRODUCING THE FORBES HOUSE MUSEUM CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD

In the spirit of our mission, the annual Keechong Dinner features the museum’s Civic Leadership Award, recognizing a person or persons whose contributions to the community embody a combination of entrepreneurial spirit and civic mindedness. We are pleased to announce that this year’s award recipients are Webster and Anne Collins. Their demonstrated commitment to the civic and cultural life of this community is exceptional. Anne was active with the Milton Public Library Foundation for nearly 20 years. Webster is one of the longest-serving Town Meeting members, with 49 years of service and counting. He is a member of the Fire Station Building Committee and personally helped secure an anonymous donation of $275,000 to improve the health and safety of the town’s firefighters. Both Anne and Webster have worked in various capacities to advance the efforts of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton, and they are longstanding supporters of the Museum. We are excited to celebrate the Collinses for everything they’ve done and continue to do for the Town of Milton!

EVENT LOCATION: Granite Links - 100 Quarry Hills Dr, Quincy, MA 02169

EVENING PROGRAM:

5:30PM ~ Evening begins - cocktail hour & raffle

6:30PM ~ Program welcome - award recognition

6:45PM ~ Dinner service

7:45PM ~ Onstage program

8:00PM ~ Dessert and continued networking

8:30PM ~ Evening concludes

Thank you to our Keechong 2023 Honorary Committee: 

Patti and Darryl Elliott

Richard W. Fernandez

Meredith Hall

Mary Riffe Hiss and Robert Hiss

Mary and Eugene Sullivan

Brian M. Walsh

Richard G. Wells, Jr.

Mary and Ted Wendell