Snow could not keep over 125 Friends of the North End Branch Library from coming out on Thursday night to support the neighborhood library. This was the 4th annual fundraiser by the Friends group held at the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel on March 7, 2013.
This year’s honoree at the fundraiser was Al Natale for his longtime dedicated support. He and his band have been mainstays at the annual Holiday Open House where he has offered his services for free and donated his pay back to the Friends to continue their works. He has been a loyal patron of the branch and a great supporter of the neighborhood. The Friends thank Al for his longstanding friendship with the North End Branch. (Al was unable to travel to the fundraiser to receive his award so an afternoon reception will be scheduled in the near future to present him with his award).
Raffles were popular at the event for themed baskets including Family Fun, Bruins/Sports Adventure and Indulgence/Spa. A new donation station, Pick a Star, stood in the corner of the room and many guests elected items that the library staff and Friends were wishing for and made pledges to sponsor those items.
The Friends greatly appreciate the support of Tim Curry of the Fairmont Battery Wharf. They also would like to thank the Golden Goose for their donation of the cheese and crudités platter and a gift certificate, Joi Salon and Spa Escape, Body Waves Massage, Urban Adventours, North End Skate Shop and Snack Bar (Fred White), Cocoanuts (Tara Shea), and Vinotecca di Monica’s (Jorge and Karen Mendoza) for their generous donations.
Jane Connolly and Paula Luccio pulled off organizing the fundraiser with ticket sale help from Joy McDonald and Karen Shea. Current officers of the Friends group are President Robin Ardito, Vice President Paula Luccio, Treasurer Donna Wells and Secretary Jim Salini.
For those of you who missed the event, the Pick A Star board will be in place at the library for the near future. If you’d like to direct a donation, stop by and check out the wishes on the board, pick a star, and make a pledge.
Photos by Matt Conti. Click any image to see a full screen slideshow. Download and order prints here.
