n The gala is a fundraiser to supplement the library's building fund.
GRAVETTE -- The much-anticipated second annual Gravette Library Gala is almost here. Guests will gather tomorrow night, Oct. 16, at the Cedaridge Event Center, on Highway 72 near Centerton, for an evening of good food, fun and entertainment to benefit a good cause. Library manager Kim Schneider promises it will be a real "show stopper."
The gala is a fundraiser to supplement the library's building fund. An architect has been secured and plans have been drawn for a new library in Gravette, but plans are on hold until more funds can be raised to finance the project. About $9,000 was raised at last year's first gala to help fund the 6,000-square-foot new library proposed by the Gravette Library Commission, and this year's event promises to be even more exciting.
Decorations will follow a "Great Gatsby" theme, and volunteers have been working for weeks on stunning centerpieces for the tables. Invitations called for business/casual attire but several library staff members and commission members are going with the 20's theme of the "Great Gatsby" era, so everyone is invited to have fun and follow a retro theme when choosing an outfit for the event.
Jerry Kendrick, with Dance and Swing from Bentonville, is bringing three couples who will be dancing during the evening and will offer tips to guests who want to improve their own dance moves. A DJ will provide music to enhance the evening, and a photographer will be available to take photos of those who want to record their memories of the event.
The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a social time in which guests may visit with each other, meet library staff and commission members and bid on over $6,000 worth of silent auction items donated by area restaurants, businesses and individuals. Auction items include a Branson vacation, Silver Dollar City and Cherokee Casino offers, certificates for oil changes, tanning services and massages, photography services, a handmade quilt, hand-carved wooden pens, a 32-inch TV, cosmetics and jewelry, gift baskets, an original oil painting, gift certificates for a number of area restaurants and much more.
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Gala guests will be treated to a delicious meal prepared by KMAC Catering of Rogers. The menu will feature a choice of two entrees, Bourbon Street chicken or rosemary pork loin, with accompanying spring mix salad, roasted red potatoes, flame-broiled mixed vegetables and yeast rolls. Dessert will be a choice of Kentucky bourbon chocolate pecan pie or carrot cake.
A variety of casino games will be available for guests' entertainment. Dealers will be manning tables offering Texas hold'em, blackjack, roulette and craps. Guests may buy chips with which to play the games and their winnings can be cashed in for prizes at the end of the evening.
Tickets are still available at a cost of $25 per person or $160 for a table of eight. They may be purchased at Arvest Bank, Bank of Gravett and at the library, or attendees may pay at the door. Checks should be made payable to Gravette Community Foundation. Call Sally Shorter, 787-3338, or Kim Schneider, 787-6955, for more information.
General News on 10/15/2014