Slice of Suburbia Exclusive: Phoenixville Public Library’s Annual Fundraiser

By Christine Tarlecki at 10:35 pm on Sunday November 22, 2009

Wine, wit and wisdom was served up at Phoenixville Library’s annual fundraiser held at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve, and sponsored by Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust, along with other generous sponsors.

RiverCrest made a lovely backdrop to the 185 people who were dedicated to furthering and preserving the Phoenixville Library, including former Mayor of Phoenixville Chuck Ash, State Representative Paul Drucker and many other Phoenixville notables.

The elegant evening kicked off with wine tasting, with many great wines and Hors D’oeuvres while attendees perused the silent auction. Over 50 auction items were donated, including gift certificates to local establishments, signed sports items, art, YMCA memberships, Colonial Movie Theatre tickets, and books.

Wine educator Hudson Austin of the Wine Merchant, LTD, presented several South American wine pairings to go with the buffet-style dinner of nut-encrusted fish, fresh green beans, crispy potatoes, and two selections of pasta and salad. He was quite knowledgeable of the evening’s wines, including those from Argentina and Chile.

During the dinner, Susan Meadows, the President of the Board of Trustees, spoke to the group, followed by a presentation from Executive Director John Kelley, who unveiled Phoenixville Library’s new logo and website.

“The library is booming; it is always busy and full of people,” John Kelley said. He is obviously quite proud of the success of the Phoenixville Library. “Especially in this economy- everyone’s generosity is beyond our expectations. This is our 6th year, and it is our best year ever!”

During the delectable dessert (mini-pumpkin pies and cinnamon cheesecake rolls) Keynote Speaker and local author Kathleen DeMarco Van Cleve (author of the Cranberry Queen and Drizzle) spoke about her love of books and how she had to work hard to become a noted author. She was a total sweetie too!

Also on each table, as a reminder to why we were all there, were books as parting gifts for each attendee to go home with.

Phoenixville Library hosts many events year round for children and adults alike. Recently they had a ghost tour, where New York doc crew of SCARED! kept their eyes and ears open for the ghosts of the library, and took people through the hotspots of the library. “It went great. We had over 100 people attend,” Susan said. “The weather added helpful ambiance -windy and pouring rain. Tensions were high in crowd on hunt as the SCARED! team debuted their documentary on the library. Hotspots included the attic and children’s office, and John Kelley claims he has seen them!”

Susan Mostek, Director of Development and Volunteer Services for the Phoenixville Public Library was quite happy with the turnout. “This marks the fourth year that RiverCrest has hosted Wine, Wit & Wisdom,” she said. “We have raised approximately 50,000 dollars for the library. We had excellent feedback, everyone had a lot of fun, enjoyed the dinner, and we are already looking forward to next year!”

All the attendees enjoyed the dinner, the wine and the silent auction, but most of all, those who attended know they are helping a worthy cause, and people are already looking forward to next year!

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Christine Tarlecki can be reached at: engchik@comcast.net and this article is published with her permission.

http://www.philly2philly.com/entertainment/entertainment_articles/2009/11/22/22513/slice_suburbia_exclusive_phoenixville_public_l