Editor:

The board of directors of the Friends of the Fairhope Public Library thanks the community for its support of the first Chocolate and Champagne Fantasy, held at the Fairhope Library on Saturday, Feb. 9. Judging by the huge crowd that turned out to sip champagne and fine wines, nibble on delectable chocolate desserts and bid on an amazing array of items in the live and silent auctions, the evening was a true success. Organizers are pleased to report that receipts for the occasion exceeded $15,000.

We want to thank our musicians, Jeanne O’Connell and Georgia Huckabay, who provided lovely background sounds for the evening. And we want to give a very special acknowledgement to the generous merchants, artists and individuals who donated items for the auctions. Thanks to our talented master of ceremonies, Mike Lyons, auction activity was fast and furious.

We also owe a large debt of gratitude to those Friends’ members and library lovers who did so much to ensure the night’s success. If you helped prepare the wonderful chocolate desserts, helped us procure the wine and champagne, helped decorate, arrange flowers, set up, serve, clean up, or bought a ticket and had a good time, please know that your efforts were greatly appreciated.

The Friends of the Fairhope Public Library is an organization providing volunteer and financial help for the library. Profits from our bookstore, from our by-the-inch book sales, and from fund-raisers such as the Chocolate and Champagne event are dedicated to purchasing unbudgeted books and technology. If you are interested in participating in Friends’ activities, we invite you to become a member. For information, call 650-2499.

Frieda Ward

event chairwoman,

Brenda Huchingson

president, FFPL