On, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2003, 100 guests dressed in Victorian attire, enjoyed a dinner theater production at the Holly Hotel for the “Last Night on the Titanic”. The dinner,  taken from one of two menus salvaged from the wreckage of the great Titanic, included the same eleven-course meal served to the first-class passengers on what proved to be the last dinner on the Titanic before she hit an iceberg on April 14, 1912. Boarding for passengers who purchased tickets included a pass to the artifact exhibit donated by the Detroit Science Center for “the last day” the exhibit was open.

Passengers went back in time and experienced the grandeur and ambiance of the gilded age at the lovely historical Holly Hotel. The authentic music of the era for the guest’s enjoyment was provided by the Music Messengers string quartet. In addition to the eleven-course dinner, each course was accompanied by the appropriate wine. The guest list included some of Detroit and Oakland County’s dignitaries. There were a several notable VIP’s, including Molly Brown and John Jacob Astor to name a few who were seated among the unsuspecting diners. As the evening progressed, there were warning signs of icebergs in the area. There were many thrills and surprises as history cannot be changed. The collision with the iceberg did take place and guests were there to experience the intrigue.

The Last Night on the Titanic” was an elegant evening to benefit Independent Opportunities of Michigan. In addition to ticket sales, funds were raised for the charity by purchase of special “Titanic Martinis". Guests who purchased a “Survivor’s Pass” were guaranteed a seat in a lifeboat and able to participate in a jewelry raffle. One lucky passenger went home with “The Opal of the Ocean" created and donated by Yanke Designs of Franklin. This treasure has a retail value of $1000.00