In the days when "Colonel" Edward Green used to host lavish parties in the mansion that now bears his name at the tip of Round Hill, he served guests his drink of choice — a mixed drink containing champagne, gin, and a lemon rind.

That tradition was resurrected for the more than 160 guests at the Friends of the Elderly’s annual gala at Round Hill on September 17. The event — which was held at the main mansion and in the clubhouse on the property — featured a wine tasting, and an array of food including beef, chicken, shrimp, pastries, and cupcakes. Guests were also treated to a history lesson on the estate and its owners.

Friends of the Elderly president Maria Connor said that the gala is the group’s largest fundraiser, with all proceeds going back to the Council on Aging to help support Dartmouth’s seniors.

“We’ve been very fortunate that the people who live here invite us every other year to host this event,” Connor said. “It’s to raise money to ensure a lot of our projects and programs continue.”

Round Hill resident and Friends of the Elderly board member Ron Souza helped spark the tradition.

“Through my connection, we managed to put this whole thing together,” Souza said. “It really brings the community together and to Round Hill.”

This year’s gala will help revamp the Council on Aging’s Adult Social Day Program facility by adding a ramp, a new driveway, and a new entrance at the Dartmouth Street location, said Connor.

Currently, the Adult Social Day Program is tucked away in the Council on Aging building. It lacks an easy way for those in the program to enter and exit the building, Connor said, and she hopes the new addition will improve access to the program. Connor expects the construction will begin in the spring.

Although Connor will not know how much money was raised until she has a chance to add everything up afterwards, she said she is expecting a substantial sum that will help the organization further its goals.