Library Fundraiser is Magic

: By Dan Veaner; Around Town; | Sep 8, 2005 |

Twilight MagicFor the fourth time in five years the Lansing Community Library Center held it's annual Twilight Magic dinner dance. Supporters paid $50 each to attend the event and support the library. The amazing Tom Knight & the Blue Moon swing band provided music for dinner and afterward for dancing.

For the first three years Twilight Magic was held at the Rose Inn. After the tragic fire that leveled that Lansing landmark LCLC held a "non-event" last year to raise money for the library when they had no location for the dinner. This year All Saints Catholic Church provided the venue for the fund raiser.

Marlaine Darfler

Library Chairwoman Marlaine Darfler told the crowd that she had just seen a one-room library in Deer Island, Maine, "with an attractive middle aged woman stamping the books." She said this was her dream five years ago, but the reality has far exceeded any dream. With $300,000 raised for capital improvements, and the first phase of construction nearing completion she said, "The dream is now owned by the entire community."

She announced, "I am officially opening an additional campaign to bring capital donations up to $350,000." The original $300,000 was raised in the "silent phase" of the campaign, which is now being opened to the public for smaller donations.

Picking Out Stars

The event was a chance to dress up, have dinner, meet people, dance and have a good time. Stars were for sale at the entrance, and each came with a prize. Everyone got a book mark at the door, and those with witch's hats on them won a book.

Volunteers helped with the food, the prizes and everything in-between. They were busy in the kitchen all night. A buffet dinner was followed by dessert and dancing.

Andy Sciarabba wins!The comedy for the evening was provided as raffle prizes were awarded. First prize, a $1,000 travel voucher to any city, was won by Andy Sciarabba. When he also won the 7th prize, a gift certificate for a 70 minute massage, he tossed it back to give someone else a chance to win. The tickets were scrambled, and another ticket was chosen. The winner: Andy Sciarabba! One more try and Kathy Miller walked away with the prize.

Tom Knight & the Blue Moon swing band played a repertoire of Swing, Rock 'n' Roll, Soul, Ballads and Waltzes, among other pieces.

Paula Grant and helpers draw the winners

"In our terms the event was a success: we had community involvement and a enjoyable evening!" says Paula Grant of the Twilight Magic committee. She estimates that they matched or slightly surpassed last year's total for the event.