On February 14, 2004, the Arctic 56 club once again volunteered to support the "Friends of the
Library" with its annual fundraiser luncheon held at the Hilton downtown Anchorage. As in past events, this fundraiser featured
not only a lunch social but a live outcry auction. Over 300 people attended the event in the Hilton's ballroom to help raise
funds to purchase new books and resource materials for Anchorage's municpal libraries. This year's efforts were successful in
raising nearly $35,000 which bested last years proceeds by $5,000.
As part of the club's community outreach effort, Shannon Jones tapped Arctic 56 and it creative talents to help the Friends
of Library with setting up and decorating the room for the event. This year 35 tables had to be decorated with the Valentine theme along
with auction table. In true volunteerism spirt, Melinda Seegers of Department 56 graciously donated two literary
themed village items including the recently retired Christmas in the City piece, Hudson Public Library as well as Jenny's book shop.
The day before the event club member gathered in Sean Monico's garage to begin the creative preparation for the 35 floral arrangement and
5 centerpieces to showcase the auction and reception tables. With the valentine theme, red & white carnations with mixed greens presented
a flashy and festive show of color. Additionally, the club had spent in the weeks before carefully crafting homemade valentine picks
to be placed in the arrangements. Earlier in the morning the day of the event, club members mobilized to transport over 40 arrangements
downtown Anchorage. The rest of the morning was spent placing all the arrangements on the tables, and decorating with chocolate candies
along with beautiful broach picture frames. The auction table was dressed in draping red fabric brought to life with red lights to highlight
the 12 auction pacakages. Once all all of the items, flowers and auction pakages were se, the room looked beautiful.
The luncheon began at 11:30 with guests entering the ballroom and being seated at the various private and corporate tables sponsored. A number VIP's and
and local celebrities were on hand to serve and earn tips for the charitable cause. Carey Carrigan of Channel 11 News was the master of ceremonies and
announce the luncheon key messages as well as serving at the high dealing auctioneer.
As usual, everyone in the Hilton Ballroom was enjoying the nicely prepared luncheon of ceasar salad, beef brisket and vegatables. The real showpiece for
the menu was the beautiful house made dessert. This consisted of a dark chocolate box filled with a strawberry mouse. The dessert was as beautiful as it was
delicious.
While the luncheon continued, Carey Carrigan livened up the room to prepare for the auction. All in all the auction raised along with the
ticket sales, nearly $35,000 to help the library buy books. Once again, Arctic 56 club members pulled together in true teamwork style to
help the community with a charitable need.
