Rochester Public Library (MN) Foundation

A FUNDRAISING EVENT HOSTED BY THE ROCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION

Saturday January 19th, 2013, made it an even dozen. The lobby doors opened to the 12th Annual Wit, Wisdom and Wine fundraising event hosted by the Rochester Public Library Foundation.

This event had its inception as all great events do by borrowing from an event attended by a board member at her alma mater. Goals set all those years ago have been held to: it should be at the library so that donors could see how their donations are used for the community at large; it should allow the community to wander the library and see areas they might not normally see; and it should be fun, entertaining and educational.

While the event has grown over the years, the feedback from attendees is that the original goals continue to be achieved. This year Tim Penny offered insight into oft misunderstood political terminology, while Father Nick Mezacapa shared his personal list of seven wonders of the world, and Jen Koski and Steve Lange shared behind-the-scenes stories and experiences featured in Rochester Magazine. Opportunities were offered to learn about food addiction, bullying, interesting facts and books from the Dewey Decimal System, Wine 101, what foods and wines naturally go well together, an antiques roadshow event and how two urbanites began permaculture farming.

New this year was a collaborative art project in conjunction with the Rochester Art Center in which attendees created a portion of a larger collage that will ultimately be on display at the library.

As has been the tradition, the event was catered by Daube’s, spirits were purchased from Paustis Wine Company and served by Andy’s Liquors volunteers.

There were tables of silent auction items including also for the first time donated book art items made by artists from recycled books. These turned out to be very popular and will undoubtedly be continued next year.

Hight & Randall, Ltd. Personal Jewelers once again donated three exquisite jewelry items for our raffle. Winners were Barbara Henoch, pearl necklace, Edith Gracey, silver filigree pin, and Jerrie Hayes, silver filigree ring with blue topaz stone.

Over 225 attended the event and raised over $20,000 for the Foundation to use for library projects. This event could not have happened without the generosity of our sponsors, attendees, Board members, volunteers, speakers, artists, and businesses that donate goods and services, and library staff that volunteer their time. Thank you everyone!!

Join us next year when the 13^th Annual Wit, Wisdom & Wine will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014.

OUR SPONSORS:

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