"Friends" to host wine tasting to benefit Southeastern's Library
Contact: Tonya Lowentritt
11/5/09
HAMMOND – The group Friends of Sims Library (FoSL) is hosting “Wine with Friends,” a wine tasting fundraiser for Southeastern Louisiana University’s Linus A. Sims Memorial Library Friday, Nov. 13.
Held at the library, the event will feature hors d’oeuvres, wines from around the world, and a silent auction, with items such as a silk floral arrangement, a framed landscape print, baskets with wine, chocolates, and books about wine.
FoSL is a nonprofit organization that supports the activities and collections of the library. Funds generated by FoSL are used to supplement the library’s annual budget, purchase needed equipment and resources, and provide programs, lectures, author readings and signings, and other special events.
FoSL has existed for a number of years, but has been recently energized with an executive board and a new mission. Anticipated budget cuts motivated the library to formalize the group and to expand membership. Last May, the FoSL board began planning the fundraiser.
“I’m delighted that the Friends of Sims Library is working with us to support library purchases in this very uncertain budget period,” said Eric Johnson, library director.
The real problem with cutting purchases of books and journals, Johnson explained, develops when libraries are forced to make cuts for a year or more.
“It’s as though you’ve lost years of information and events,” he said. “All too often when quick and deep budget cuts occur, libraries cannot catch up. They will move on to the next year, or the next, making smaller purchases while knowing the information gaps are growing.”
Every dollar raised goes directly to the library, thanks to donations from local businesses, including Agape Pizzeria, Albertsons, Brady’s, LeBlanc’s, Mariner’s Inn, Organic Planet, Red, White & Brew, and Winn-Dixie, Johnson said.
Tickets are $30 for individuals and $50 for couples. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the tasting beginning at 7 p.m. Space is limited, so early reservations are requested. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
For tickets or more information about becoming a FoSL member, contact Johnson at (985)-549-3962 or ejohnson@selu.edu.
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