Bridgeville library benefit to offer samplings of food, music
Even when its patrons relax, Bridgeville Public Library is never far from their minds.
On May 9 from 6 to 10 p.m., friends and neighbors will gather for the 3rd annual Taste of the Town in the Chartiers Room on Commercial Street.
The event will bring together diners, restaurateurs and corporate sponsors for the library's biggest fundraiser. A $50 ticket also includes the music of Savoy Truffle, a Beatles tribute band.
Trustee Jane Irwin of Collier Township has helped to orchestra all three of the events.
“We were a little nervous before the first one,” she said, “but the support from the community, the corporations, the restaurants was great.”
And the library budget benefitted by $10,000. The next year, they raised a little more. Irwin is hoping for a repeat this year.
She was responsible for finding corporate sponsors. FedEx Ground and TJX Companies Inc., parent group of T.J. Maxx, have both stepped up. She would hope to involve even more.
As she made her appeals, she found many of the companies eager to be involved if an event matches their charitable-giving mission.
“I was always a library person,” Irwin said. “I would seek out a library wherever we lived.”
She's come to realize the work involved in putting together an evening she finds to be an enjoyable way to support the library.
Sampling restaurant fare is considered to be the biggest draw.
Cindy Capozzoli, one of the Friends of the Library, was asked to find restaurant owners willing to participate. All they need are samples of one of their specialties and a person to serve for two hours. After making a list of restaurants within a seven-mile radius of Bridgeville, she sat down with her phone.
“I made 10 calls before I got a ‘yes,'” the Bridgeville resident said.
Then, it started to come together, so in a single night, patrons can enjoy the best that local eateries have to offer. Some may be restaurants they've visited; others can be those they've wanted to try.
“This gives restaurants the opportunity to reach patrons they haven't reached before,” said Irwin. “We benefit from their generosity, and they benefit from the exposure.”
For information about corporate sponsorship, Irwin can be contacted through the library at 412-221-3737.
Dona S. Dreeland is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-388-5803 or ddreeland@tribweb.com.
