Wilton, CT – What does one do to celebrate a beloved institution that has served the community for 125 years? Wilton Library Association has the answer with its 125th Anniversary Celebration Gala on Saturday, March 28, at Rolling Hills Country Club, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. This major fundraising event focuses on the quality of services and programs the library has brought to the community and will continue to provide for years to come.
This special evening will honor Claude and Jennifer Amadeo for their exceptional contributions to the library’s STEM programs for children and teens since the Innovation Station’s inception, and Catherine Romer, for her generous contributions to the library’s Hot & Cool: Jazz at the Brubeck Room series for more than a dozen years.
Elaine Tai-Lauria, executive director, said of the upcoming event, “This is such an exciting year for Wilton Library, with the Brubeck Collection coming home, honoring Dave Brubeck’s jazz legacy with a Wilton Reads book about the jazz age, our 125th anniversary, and so much more. Along with all these wonderful events, we also want to recognize Claude and Jennifer Amadeo, and Catherine Romer, who have supported our programs immeasurably over the years. We are celebrating the library’s past and looking forward to our next chapters.”
Leti Manuel, co-chair of the fundraiser, noted, “We like to say that people will be encouraged to open their hearts, their arms and their wallets to help us celebrate what’s to come.” Carol Boehly, co-chair noted, “This year called for a big celebration and this gala is it.”
At the gala, guests will be treated to delicious dinners, dancing, libations, and music by the renowned Lester Lanin Orchestra, continuing the “jazz theme” adopted for this year. Special auctions and a lively paddle raise for the Brubeck Collection will enhance the festivities. Black tie is encouraged.Tickets for the benefit are now on sale by visiting https://one.bidpal.net/wla125gala, or the library’s website at www.wiltonlibrary.org, by calling 203-762-6321, or by stopping by the circulation desk. Tickets begin at $275 per person with varying opportunities for Table Sponsorships at the Gold, Platinum and Presenting levels. Sponsored tables will enjoy the chance to attend a pre-event VIP reception. Proceeds from the gala raise critically-needed funds for programs, services and collection materials.
Honoree Catherine Romer
Courtney Lilly, development director for the library said, “An organization doesn’t turn 125 every day, which is why this not-to-be missed event has been planned with many surprises and festive elements in store. As we work to be good stewards of our planet, we are sending limited invitations by mail. All event information including the ability to RSVP is available at https://one.bidpal.net/wla125gala. We’re asking people to please continue to check back to this website frequently as we post our auction items that will be available for bidding before the event for attendees and to the general public approximately a week in advance of the event.”
The gala is made possible in part through the generous support to date of Presenting sponsors Claude and Jennifer Amadeo, and Nick and Dorie Davatzes; Platinum sponsors including Fairfield County Bank, Gregory and Adams, P.C., Nuvance Health Medical Practice—Wilton Primary & Specialty Care, Wells Fargo Private Bank, Carol Boehly and Paul Hannah, Geody and Jen Davatzes, Phil Lauria and Elaine Tai-Lauria, and Lynne and Paul Vanderslice. The Gold sponsor is Cystic Fibrosis Bridge of Hope. Media sponsors for the event are GOOD Morning Wilton and Wilton Magazine.
Rolling Hills Country Club is at 333 Hurlbutt Street in Wilton, CT.
