‘Booked!’ fundraiser replaces antiques show

WASHINGTON — After three decades of hosting the Washington Connecticut Antiques Show, Gunn Memorial Library is turning a page and introducing a new fundraising event in its place. “Booked! The Next Chapter” will be held Oct. 6 of Columbus Day weekend, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bryan Memorial Town Hall.

A cocktail party in a transformed space will be the place to be for those wishing to clink glasses with friends while supporting the institution that stands at the center of our community. Ryan Brown Caterers of Brooklyn will provide hors d’oeuvres and a signature cocktail while live jazz is performed by the Bentley Lewis Trio. The event will also include a silent auction featuring high end leather goods, art, jewelry, and customized events and services from local businesses and restaurants.

This fall event is one of the primary annual fundraisers for Gunn Memorial Library, Inc., the town’s public library, which, in addition to taxpayer dollars, depends largely on private contributions and events like this to support the greater part of its operating budget. Executive Director, Jean Chapin shares, “We are pleased to welcome Paul Andrew, creative director at Salvatore Ferragamo, as our Honorary Chair for this inaugural fall social event.”

Wilson Henley, a Gunn Memorial Trustee and event co-chair, said, “We’re so excited about BOOKED! We’ve received such an enthusiastic response so far and are happy to be returning to Town Hall, which will provide the perfect backdrop for a beautiful evening featuring the sophisticated interior design by Mis en Scene in Washington Depot.”

Bryan Memorial Town Hall is located at 2 Bryan Plaza in Washington Depot. Reservations are recommended and can be made by visiting gunnlibrary.org. Entrance begins at $125 per person.

For information visit GunnLibrary.org. For reservations call 860-868-7586.

Contributed photo “Booked” honorary chairman Paul Andrew.