WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (November 6, 2024) – More than 220 donors and supporters of the West Palm Beach Library Foundation enjoyed an elegant, entertaining evening at the annual Food for Thought Dinner, held November 2 at The Beach Club, Palm Beach. The event raised a record-breaking amount of revenue to fuel the Foundation’s mission.
“Event Chair Melissa Sullivan and her committee planned a lovely evening in which guests engaged in lively conversations with 23 remarkable Table Hosts, while enjoying a sumptuous dinner,” said Steven A. Mayans, Chair of the Library Foundation Board of Directors. “The funds raised support the life-changing programs and services offered through the Mandel Public library of West Palm Beach.”
“I love the work of the Mandel Public Library and believe it is vital for everyone in the community to have access to the programs provided for all ages,” stated Melissa Sullivan, who also was a Platinum Benefactor, “but especially for the children, since reading is such a critical life skill.”
The evening began with a cocktail reception in the Ocean Lounge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean while guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres that included Brie with Candied Walnuts & Pear Tart, Smoked Foie Gras with Peach and Basil, Pulled Pork with Cornbread, and Tomato Soup Shots with Mini Grilled Cheese.
While conversing with their chosen host, guests dined on a first course of Mixed Greens with Port Wine Poached Pear, Candied Pecans, Goat Cheese, and a Port Wine Vinaigrette. The main course was a duo entrée of a Petite Filet Mignon with Cabernet Thyme Reduction, and a Potato Dusted Grouper accompanied by a Pommes en Feuille de Brique and a Haricot Vert Bundle. A Flourless Chocolate Cake with Passionfruit Sauce was the perfect ending to the gourmet dinner.
“The evening’s guests were greatly inspired by the remarks of the Foundation’s special guest speaker, Brad Meltzer, who spoke about building our legacy through how we interact with others,” remarked Dean Dimke, Chief Executive Officer of the Library Foundation. Named as both “America’s Historian” and one of “Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors,” Brad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod and twelve other thrillers. “His presence contributed significantly to the success of our premier fundraiser,” Dimke added.
Table Hosts included John Archer, Steven Caras, Frank Cerabino, Rosie Cutter, Abby Ellin, Paul Gervais, Kyle Lucks, Tim Luke, Trey Mahoney, David McClymont, Joseph and Max McNamara, Nabil Meralli, Dr. John Merey, Daphne Nikolopoulos, Matthew Raptis, Michael Reiter, Rick Rose, Rob Russell, Serge Strosberg, Ricky Wade, John Webley, and Christopher Young.
About the West Palm Beach Library Foundation
The West Palm Beach Library Foundation raises funds for the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach to provide free quality programs, services, and resources that enrich and strengthen its diverse community. The Foundation hopes to create an inspired community where children excel, and adults thrive. Gifts to the Foundation support popular library programs including afterschool homework centers, summer learning programs, reading programs, teen college prep, job readiness, and adult programs in art, technology, education, culture, and entertainment.