Posted by Karla Rothan

Twenty plus years ago a smart, savvy young woman took a chance and opened Jillian’s in the old Cat’s Meow. Following that success she opened Wall Street; which was destined to become one of the premier nightclubs in the country. Jill McDonald, owner of Wall Street Nightclub, changed the face of the Columbus community. She gave us a great place to gather and celebrate life. She has hosted many charitable events for Stonewall Columbus and other community groups. She hosted the kickoff party for Mary Jo Hudson’s highly successful run for City Council. She is loved by our community and highly respected among Columbus business professionals and political leaders. Stonewall Columbus salutes Jill McDonald for her commitment to our community and we want to wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Below is a letter that Jill has written for the community.

Open letter to the Columbus Community:

I want to thank this community for all of the incredible  support that you have shown me over the past twenty years. The gratitude that I have, and would like to express, could not possibly be put into words. Wall Street has evolved over the years to become one of the  premier gay clubs in this country. Thank You!

There have been so many changes within the club over the  years. As we have all grown and changed we have watched Wall Street grow and change as well. We have all celebrated so many special  events, met life partners, made lifelong friendships and simply have had a great  time at Wall Street throughout the years.

I have made an extremely hard decision.  The time has come for me to ‘pass the Wall Street torch’.  I will have one  last change for Wall Street. November 30th will be the last day of Wall Street under my ‘tenure’.  The new owner of Wall Street Nightclub  will be Scot Hafler.  As many of you  know, Scot was the Manager of Wall Street for ten years.  Scot did an incredible and amazing job during those years.  I am thrilled  that Scot will continue the Wall Street legacy. You can be assured that Wall Street will  remain the same club that you call ‘home’.

I would like to say a special thank you to the incredible  staff that I have been so lucky to have throughout the years.  They have made it happen day in and day out, and they will continue to do so! It is now time for me to make some changes. I am not exactly sure which path I will take, but I know that I will remain in Columbus as well as take care of Aqua Nightclub  in Key  West.  There  might be another surprise in the near future.

My final hoorah will be FRIDAY NOVEMBER  30th.  I am calling it  ‘LAST FRIDAY’ in honor of all the First Fridays that have always been my  favorite night, and that I have always looked forward to monthly.  The monthly First Friday will continue  as always in December.

Please join me for my final party, ‘LAST FRIDAY’, Friday, November 30th, 8:00  pm, while I pass the ‘torch’ and bring in the next era of Wall Street. Again, thank you for all of your support, patronage,  loyalty and inspiration. I have had a blast!

Sincerely,
Jill McDonald
Owner
Wall Street Nightclub