Few people go to the library for a buzz, yet many patrons found themselves surrounded by books as they sipped wine in the name of charity.
The Friends of Sims Library (FoSL) hosted the annual “Wine with Friends” fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 2. The wine tasting took place in the Sims Memorial Library, and the proceeds went to the library with the purpose of supplementing the library’s annual budget.
“We’ve been preparing since the spring, and this is our fourth year having the event,” said Margaret Adelmann, chair of the wine tasting event. “It probably took around six months to get everything planned.”
Guests of “Wine with Friends” were served five courses of wine with complementary gourmet food pairings, all donated to the fundraiser by local businesses and restaurants. The second floor of the library was decorated elegantly, and the presentation and atmosphere seemed to impress the guests.
“It was beautiful, very well-orchestrated. The food was good, the wine was good. It was a nice, nice evening,” said Katie Wainwright, alumnus of Southeastern and patron of the Sims Memorial Library.
Guests of “Wine with Friends” were given the chance to extend their philanthropic efforts through the silent auction. There were 25 different items to bid on, ranging from paintings to books to gift certificates.
There was also a band of two classical musicians performing for the guests, made up of Dr. Danny Acosta, associate professor of mathematics, and Dr. Richard Schwartz, instructor of saxophone and jazz.
“A lot of these people are friends, coworkers, and we enjoy supporting any positive events here at Southeastern to help out. I just enjoy helping out. The event looks terrific. It looks like it’s very well attended,” said Schwartz.
The fundraiser was indeed well attended, as there were 80 patrons present, the highest record of attendance for the fundraiser so far. Adelmann said that the goal for next year is to reach 100 participants of “Wine with Friends.” Efforts will be made in marketing next year’s wine tasting event in order to reach this goal.
Those who wish to participate in a charitable event for the library can look forward to FoSL’s “Tea with Friends,” in which patrons are given the chance to have tea with an author. This event will take place next semester.
The official amount raised by the “Wine with Friends” fundraiser was $3,500, the same total as last year.