On Friday, September 17, the Goodnow Library Foundation hosted its 9th annual fundraising gala – “We’re Back!” This year was notable because as the name suggests, the evening celebrated the Library and the Foundation’s return to in-person events after over a year of virtual learning and gathering. The event was held at The Wayside Inn, outside under a beautiful white tent, and decorated with seasonal flowers and plants. Guests entered the tent greeted by Goodnow Library Foundation board members and the music of Note-worthy Experiences students Sam Rosenbaum and Maggie McLeod, both of them Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Class of ’24, on keyboard.
More than 150 guests were in attendance, and the Foundation raised more than $45,000 in support of its work to provide funding for the Goodnow Library’s long-term capital projects, events, and activities. “What a wonderful evening it was under the tent at The Wayside Inn, celebrating our Library and our community. It was a thrill to thank our supporters face to face after such a challenging year and a half. We are so grateful as well to the Goodnow Library Foundation and The Wayside Inn for making this event possible!” commented Esmé Green, Library Director.
The event was a true community affair as demonstrated by the many local businesses and individuals who sponsored the evening; its collaboration with The Wayside Inn as the host of the gala; and by the musical performances of the local high school students, including members of the band MoonFlower: Adam McGrath (LS’22), Hogan Flechtner (LS’23), and Nick Ressler (LS’23). The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Lead Sponsor Kirk Dental and to Platinum Sponsors Emerson Hospital and Monument Group Wealth Advisors.
Under the tent, several tables were set up to educate guests about the work of the Foundation including a display about its online book sale – The Goodnow Book Nook – whose proceeds are used for the Library’s programming and activities. In addition, the Book Nook will host an in-person Book Sale on October 15-17 at Goodnow Library. A makerspace table display included a small 3D printer, tools, and creations from the Sara Sherman NOW Lab. Holly Bernene, the Foundation’s Director of Development, recognized Barbara and Don Sherman for their generosity in memory of their daughter, Sara. Bernene also thanked Janice Corkin Rudolf, the internationally recognized artist who sculpted and created “Tree of Inspiration,” a bronze statue installed in front of the NOW Lab on the Library’s second floor.
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