Being billed as an event featuring food, fun and magic, the annual Ferguson Library fundraising event A Novel Affair returns to the establishment April 25, 2013.
Kicking of t 6 p.m., the event will be hosted by conjurer, mentalist and sleight-of-hand artist Ryan Oakes, a Stamford native. It will be a return to his roots for Oakes, who attended his first magic class at the library. Since then, he's entertained at the White House and been featured in The New York Times and Forbes FYI.
"He's the real deal," said library Director of Development and Communication, Linda Avellar. "We're very excited about having him. He'll be the auctioneer and even donated some magic lessons for the auction."
The event is the library's major fundraising event for the year. Last year, A Novel Affair brought in $115,000. Avellar said she hopes the organization can top that and hit the $130,000 mark from this year's gala.
Avellar said the library needs to make up more than $1 million in funding cut three years ago and a $400,000 shortfall in their operating budget this year alone.
"Every little bit from the community helps in a big way. The event brings in some badly needed funds," Avellar said. "It's held right here in the library and it's a really nice event that's important to us."
The guest of honor will be John H. Stewart, President and CEO of Purdue Pharma, L.P., for "his generous and long-time support of the library."
The event will feature a drop-ticket raffle in addition to the auction and a number of restaurants from around Stamford have donated food for the event. In addition to an open bar, a wine tasting will be hosted by BevMax, and craft beer tastings courtesy of Charter Oak Brewing Co., Half Full Brewery and SBC. Live entertainment will be provided by Cookie Thomas and his jazz band.
Tickets for the event are $125. Information and reservations are available by calling 203 351-8205 or online at www.fergusonlibrary.org. For sponsorship information call Linda Avellar at 203 351-8208.
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