The Harford County Public Library Foundation held its 4th annual gala on November 1st and with a sell out crowd raised $115,000. This year’s theme Black, White and Read, showcased classic literature and films of the early to mid 20 century Hollywood and guests felt like a star from the moment they arrived.

As you approached the Abingdon branch on the red carpet you were surrounded by antique cars and swarmed by paparazzi who flashed photos and shouted Joan Rivers’ questions from “what are you wearing this evening?” to “where is your husband.” When you entered the building you were greeted by Vanessa Milio, Harford County Library Foundation Director, along with Foundation President, Terry Hanley. Audra Caplan, Director, Harford County Public Library, could be seen in her elegant attire and County Executive, David Craig, was smiling, enjoying the evening and circling the wonderful selection of silent auction items.

Some of the hottest silent auction packages included a Norman Rockwell image “The Runaway” signed by both the officer and little boy in the image, tickets to the BSO, a framed image of a Casablanca movie poster, a ride on the Skipjack Martha Lewis and overnight accommodations at the Vandiver Inn, plus items such as a handmade scarf and train set. The live auction was where the fun was really had with people bidding on an opportunity to have lunch with David Craig, appear on the Ed Norris show, have dinner for ten at Bonefish Grill, or dine at Chef Aldo Vitale’s private Wine Cellar, named Baltimore’s Best Private Dining room.

The food selections provided by Carried Away Gourmet were entitled with Hollywood movie favorites such as The African Queen, Casablanca, and Moby Dick. Guests also enjoyed the Great Gatsby Martini Bar from Bottleworks and the Pride and Prejudice dessert table from Bliss. And to please any woman’s heart, long-stem roses were available from Flowers by Bauers of Jarrettsville. Throughout the evening guests enjoyed the jazz music of the Freddie Stevens Band.

The evening’s success was due to many, including the volunteers and staff members, plus the generous support of the event’s sponsors. The Headlining sponsors were The Aegis, Comcast, the Examiner, Richardson’s Florist, Verizon, WXCY radio. Premiere sponsors included APGFCU, Celebree Learning Centers, FastFrame, LPGA, Jarrettsville Builders and PNC Bank.

The Harford County Public Library Foundation strives to enhance, enrich, and expand the materials, programs, and services of the library. Funds raised from this event will support programs such as the Summer Reading Program and Winter Reading Program, and provide materials for the Library senior outreach vehicle, the Silver Reader.

Once again the Gala proves to be an enormous success and planning for next year’s event will begin shortly. The Harford County Public Library is grateful to all their sponsors and supporters who make this event possible. For more information on the gala and the Harford County Public Library Foundation please visit the Library website at hcplonline.info.