By Jaime Thomas
Among stuffed game, shelves of books, a fireplace and art, the Pember Library and Museum will hold its annual dinner next Saturday, Oct. 19.
Rather than being held at a golf club, the fundraising event will take place right in the library. Tables will be arranged in the main part of the first floor among the paraphernalia that makes the Pember so unique.
“It’s going to be an elegant dinner here; it’ll be a lot of fun,” Museum Director Pat Wesner said.
This year’s silent auction is already chock-full of hot ticket items, and more are expected to arrive in the week before the event.
Disney fans will clamor for four one-day park hopper passes –good at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom—and valid for two years. And an aspiring photographer might bid on a Nikon Coolpix L110 Digital SLR Camera, valued at almost $250. Other big items include a chair from Telescope Casual Furniture, a moonlight cruise for four on Lake St. Catherine and more.
There will be more decorative pieces as well, such as a handmade stacked book table lamp and a 1950s Lucite jewelry box. And those with a green thumb might be glad to win one of two gardening packages.
The silent auction typically features about 75 items, many of which are already on display throughout the library and upstairs museum. Bidders need not attend the dinner but will need to pick up and pay for a winning item within a week after the event. Officials are still looking for donations.
A local caterer will provide the food, including various options for varying appetites including grilled chicken, prime rib or a vegetarian dish. There will also be salad, coffee, a cash bar and dessert.
“The desserts are the trustees favorites; each will make their favorite specialty dessert,” Wesner said.
Throughout the dinner and auction, “one-man band” Steve Havel will provide musical entertainment.
Wesner said the event is the Pember’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and last year it raised more than $6,300. Tickets to the dinner and auction, which takes place from 6 to 9 p.m., are first-come, first-serve and are limited to 75 slots. The price is $40 per person or $75 per couple.
Interested attendees are asked to respond by Tuesday, Oct. 15, by calling 642-1515.
To look at bids or find out more about the auction visit pembermuseum.wordpress.com or call 642-2525.
