The Wellesley Free Library Foundation hosted its second Gala on January 23, 2014 at the Wellesley Country Club. The Foundation’s single largest fundraiser, the evening featured a conversation with Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright moderated by Mike Barnicle as well as a speech In Praise of Libraries by former Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns. Emcee’d by WBZ’s Lisa Hughes, guests were also treated to a surprise visit by Congressman Joseph Kennedy. Since the first Foundation Gala in 2012, the Wellesley Free Library Foundation has been able to provide more than $250,000 to support amongst other things, Outreach and ESL programs at the WFL, Preservation, the creation of a high school study room, technology upgrades like the addition of Windows 8 tablets and the operating needs of the Hills and Fell Branch Libraries. With nearly 20% of the Library’s operating budget met through private funding, events like the Gala, which this year raised more than $190,000, are critical to the Foundation’s ability to bridge the gap between our community’s aspirations for our library and available municipal funds. Over 280 Wellesley residents attended the Gala. Notable guests included:
Madeleine Albright
R. Nicholas Burns
Congressman Joe Kennedy
Rep. Alice Peisch
Mike Barnicle of MSNBC’s Morning Joe
Lisa Hughes WBZ News anchor
Kelley Tuthill WCVB news anchor
David McCullough, author and WHS English teacher
Billy Starr, Founder PMC
Sam Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer Boston Red Sox
Photos by Maura Wayman – maura@maurawayman.com
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