MONTCLAIR, NJ — It’s the first gala in over five years for Montclair Public Library Foundation and it’s gong to be lit!
Generous donors, community leaders, and library friends will gather Thursday, April 27, for “The Lit Gala,” a ticketed benefit dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Montclair Public Library Foundation (MPLF) and honoring supporters Jennifer Dorr-Moon and David Jones for their exceptional contributions to Montclair’s cultural life.
“The Lit Gala” will feature special guests, highlight Library programs, and culminate with a live auction of unique experiences and splurge-worthy luxuries, including a VIP Red Carpet experience at the premiere of a film directed by Montclair’s own Patrick Wilson, as well as week-long stays at a penthouse in Florence, Italy and a Lake Champlain, VT island estate.
Invite your friends and make your way to The Manor in West Orange for an evening of drinks, dinner, dessert and dancing with musical entertainment by DJ G.I. and Sed Marsh. Join MPLF to honor these invaluable contributors, celebrate 20 incredible years of fulfilling the Library Foundation’s mission, and raise proceeds to benefit Library programs that serve every age group.
Honorees Jennifer Dorr-Moon and David Jones will be celebrated for their achievements as co-founders of Montclair Public Library’s Open Book/Open Mind program, which features in-depth conversations with authors. This flagship literary series began in 2015 to rally support for the Library, highlight top authors from Montclair and beyond, and spark public discussion of important ideas across our highly diverse community. The pivot to online events necessitated by the pandemic only fueled the popularity of the series, raising its profile and growing the audience exponentially, now attracting viewers from all over the globe. Recordings of Open Book/Open Mind on YouTube, especially a program with Maggie Haberman, have tens of thousands of views.
Tickets to the gala benefit, which includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and elegant selections of gourmet foods, are being sold for $300 for Individual Patrons, $500 for VIP Patrons, and $1,000 for Individual Sponsors. Additional sponsorship levels include Visionary ($10,000), Dreamer ($5,000), and Investor ($2,500), and include sponsor designation, logo placement, digital media recognition, and multiple event tickets.
For additional information about tickets, reservations, and sponsorships for the gala benefit, please contact MPLF Executive Director Mary Packer at 973-744-0500 ext. 2269, or email mary@montclairplf.org or purchase tickets online at www.montclairplf.org/gala
WHAT: The Lit Gala fundraising dinner to benefit Montclair Public Library
WHO: Jennifer Dorr-Moon and David Jones, Open Book/Open Mind co-founders
WHEN: Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 6:45 PM
WHERE: The Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey