KENT — Sunflowers and bright yellow decorations perked up the annual library gala Saturday, June 22 that proceeded under cloudy skies. The weather cooperated with a three-hour window, breaking from the rain and oppressive heat that had plagued Kent during the week.
The gala was entitled “Welcome to Summer on Treasure Hill” and was hosted by Susan Menconi and Bruce Hoheb on their beautiful Treasure Hill Road property. Guests gathered around the sparkling blue swimming pool and under the tent to enjoy the company of other guests. An estimated 250 people attended.
Sandra Edelman, president of the Board of Directors, welcomed everyone to the event and noted they were grateful for “the absence of lightning.” She issued many thank you’s, including to George and Elissa Potts and the Fife ’n Drum Restaurant.
Recognizing the Gala Committee for their efforts, she said it was chaired by Dana Slaughter, Roz Molho and Ellen Gutierrez.
Library Director Sarah Marshall shared a number of the new programs being offered by the library, including French Fridays open to anyone who wants to speak French, bilingual story hours twice a month, a Spanish conversation group, a puppy story hour, a book club at the Senior Center, Dungeons and Dragons night, and clothing swaps.
“We’re doing a great job keeping people busy with the things they want to do,” Marshall said.
She highlighted an upcoming event Saturday, July 6 with sculptor Sabin Howard, who has created a World War I monument in Washington, D.C. Marshall called it a “really serious world-class event.”
“There are lots of really fun things. Summer Sundays starts July 7, including a Sunday event for families and kids every single week in the month of July,” Marshall said.
Edelman recognized the importance of all the attendees’ participation in the gala.
“Your being here tonight actually helps fund all of these wonderful things. This is an event that actually keeps our lights on. This is about operating funds—our day-to-day, our programs, our services, the books, the materials and the computer services —all of those things,” Edelman said, noting that the other fundraisers also add to revenues, including the book sale and the car raffle.
There were plenty of treasures to discover at the silent auction and 14 raffle bowls, which offered a chance to win gift cards to many different restaurants and stores or collections of wine. A total of 700 tickets were sold for the raffle bowls.
Ellen Gutierrez organized the silent auction and explained there were 11 items, four of which were artwork and other items included a seven-night stay in Hilton Head, an opportunity to see Late Night with Seth Meyers with a meet-and-greet, the ever-popular Kent Quiz Night VIP package, and a weekend in Kent with a variety of items from vendors.
“It is a fun part of the event,” she said of the silent auction and raffle.
While the gala proceeds are not going toward the library expansion project, Edelman shared that board member Sam Callaway had a table under the tent and would gladly explain the plans and answer any questions about the project.
Marshall proudly announced that Kent Memorial Library is “the number one library in the state of Connecticut for volunteers,” which was greeted with cheers and applause. “It’s because of all of you who pitch in and run our book sale, help with the benefit and do all the wonderful things,” Marshall said. “If you’re interested in getting involved, we will certainly put you to work.”
