The Sentinel, Carlisle, PA
Celebs donate items for gala
By Kristin Wilson, August 25, 2004
So far, more than $20,000 worth of collectibles, celebrity autographs and weekend getaways have been donated for the Friends of Bosler Free Library’s 22nd annual benefit auction.
Photo: Jason Minick
“We have so many things, it’s unbelievable,” says auction co-chair Pat Mastandrea.
Bidders at the Sept. 11 gala at the library on West High Street will find special packages from local businesses and specialty items donated by area residents.
For example, George’s Flowers donated 12 months of flowers, the Empire Restaurant offers a chance to be a sous chef with Chef Carrie Bogart and Cole Bicycles of Hanover Street donated a mountain bike.
Mastandrea also has helped to secure dozens of items signed by celebrities. These include a “Good Will Hunting” cap signed by Robin Williams; “The Green Mile,” autographed by Stephen King; a script from an episode of “The West Wing” signed by the original cast; and a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes signed by Bette Midler.
So far, the auction committee also has received donations of weekend getaways such as a Baltimore package with a two-night stay at the Renaissance Hotel at Inner Harbor and tickets to the Aquarium. A New York City package includes a night’s stay at the Library Hotel, tickets to “The Late Show” with David Letterman and dinner at Planet Hollywood.
For the rest of August, some of the donated auction items will be on display at the West High Street branch of Waypoint Bank.
“We were thrilled that the bank allowed us to do this,” says Mastandrea. “People get to see beforehand some of the items we have up for auction.”
The annual auction is held to help raise money for improvements to the public library. This year, the library Friends organization plans to use funds to refurbish and to replace the furniture in the East Wing Reading Room. Last year’s benefit raised $23,000.
This year’s gala will run from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11. Tickets are $35, which includes food, dessert and wine. For more information, call the library at 243-4642.
