Black Tie Bingo supports efforts of library endowment

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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The 3rd annual Black Tie Bingo included fine dining, silent auction, and bingo to raise money for the Fort Smith Library Endowment Trust. Approximately 130 guests came dressed in their evening attire to support the library and mingle with friends at the charitable event.

The Black Tie Bingo is the largest fundraiser for the library’s Endowment Trust, a foundation established to help provide long-term support and prosperity for the library system. Jennifer Goodson, library director, said the recent addition of Dewey’s Cafe with Sweet Bay at the main library was fully funded by the library endowment, and the endowment also pays for the holiday lighting of the main library building.

Goodson also shared a few library statistics with the guests. The stats included:
• In 2009, the library recorded 465,820 visits, up 4.3% over 2008;
• The library saw 426,003 pieces of material checked out in 2009, up 6% over 2008;
• About 500 new library cards were issued each month in 2010;
• Computer use increased 25.5% in 2009;
• Reference questions increased 17.5% in 2009 over 2008; and,
• 1,417 meetings were held by outside groups at library facilities in 2009.

Goodson said the computer use is related to the tough economy and the higher number of unemployed in the area.

“These are folks who are out of work,” Goodson said of why computer use increased in 2009. “They don’t have a computer at home. … For many jobs these days, you have to apply online.”

Hors d’oeuvres, wine and an open bar started at 7 p.m. followed by a formal dinner. While guests dined on a formal multi-course gourmet dinner by Chef Mickey Sellard, Don and Terri Bailey — part of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Jazz Catz — performed live music and guests took part in the silent auction.

After dinner, guests got their bingo cards and daubers ready for games of bingo. Ashley Beck served as mistress of ceremonies for the event. Games of regular bingo and variations of the game including outside the frame and plus bingo kept the daubers daubbing and the guests laughing.

After the bidding wars were over on the silent auction items, Ashley Beck announced the high bids and the winners picked up their purchases. Coffee, liqueurs, and dessert were served at Dewey’s Cafe.