The James V. Brown Library's annual fundraising event, the Author Gala, will feature a widely known author whose last visit to Williamsport in 2005 was a great success, bringing together readers of all ages to support the library.
Best-selling author Adriana Trigiani's latest release, "The Shoemaker's Wife," was on the New York Times best-seller list for 10 weeks after its publication in April.
Trigiani's appearance in Williamsport will mark her second time as the library's Author Gala speaker. When she was here in 2005, the event was a sellout.
According to Robin Glossner, development director for the library, the gala committee has been hard at work for several months trying to secure high-quality and unique items for the raffle, silent and Chinese auctions.
The gala committee includes co-chairs Laurie Burkholder and Stephanie Calder, along with Margaret Chapman, Melissa Starkey, Dennis Keith, Annmarie Phillips, Melissa Rackish, Ruth Rees, Phyllis Reynolds, Patricia Shipman and library employees Glossner, Shirley Alters, Cheryl Riley and Amanda Emig.
Glossner said the event would not be possible without the community's support and the dedication of the volunteers and sponsors.
This year, the major event sponsor is the Friends Favorites Gently Used Book Store with additional sponsorship by Patrick and Trisha Marty; Albarano Construction; Melissa and Marshall Welch III; Stephanie Calder and Fish Real Estate; River Valley Financial Advisors; John and Cindy Brindger; Comfort Keepers; Doug and Frani Doherty; and Annmarie and Birch Phillips.
Emig, the library's graphic designer, created the invitations and posters, which were printed by the library, and packaged by the Friends of the James V. Brown Library.
Brodart also has provided copies of "The Shoemaker's Wife" that will be available for purchase at the library prior to the event. The books are $24.99 each.
Burkholder and Calder said the event will be held in several areas of the Country Club to provide event-goers a chance to mingle and peruse the silent auction items around the perimeter of the main dining room before the seated dinner. A champagne reception with Trigiani will be held in the library prior to the event for those who secured $1,000 tables.
The tables will feature Italian cookies as the centerpieces created by local bakers, including Italian wedding cookies and bite-sized buttermilk cakes donated by D&L Catering. The bakers will incorporate desserts and cookies inspired by Trigiani's cookbook, "Cooking with My Sisters: One Hundred Years of Family Recipes, from Bari to Big Stone Gap" to stick with the Tour of Italy theme.
Donated items include a tour for four in New York City through Travel With Adriana Trigiani Tours, with Trigiani's business tour partner, Gina Casella, as tour guide.
Other highlighted auction items are a "Tour of Italy" basket with gift certificates to local Italian restaurants; a pearl necklace and Murano bead jewelry set by Laurie Burkholder; a designer purse; a painting by Carol Wagner; and a pet portrait by Amanda Emig.
The event will be held Sept. 27 at the Williamsport Country Club with a cash bar, silent auction and Chinese raffle starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $65. Raffle tickets and gala reservations are available at the library, and more information is available by calling 326-0536.
Reservations and payment are due by Sept. 21.
Reservations also can be made to Annmarie Phillips by contacting her at 322-6112 or annmarie @pshi.com.
