The Crandall Public Library second annual gala fundraiser, “Hooray for Hollywood: Lights, Camera, Fiction!” will honors John Austin as the library’s 2013 Henry Crandall Award recipient.
The event will be held 6-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6 at the Queensbury Hotel.
This benefit is expected to raise some $25,000 for library programs and services, including educational, literary, and cultural programming for children and adults, books and materials purchases, and public computer upgrades, according to its board of trustees.
A cost of $90 per person, standard, or $75 per person, junior (ages 40 and under), includes hors d’oeuvres, a four-course plated dinner, live music and dancing with the Doc Scanlon Band, and a silent auction assisted by auctioneer Martin Seelye.
“Hooray for Hollywood” celebrates books brought to life on the big screen. Guests will walk down a red carpet and view Crandall’s own Walk of Fame before entering the cocktail hour, followed by dinner and dancing, with “a host of surprises” planned throughout the evening, library officials said.
Austin, a retired Warren County judge, is the guest of honor and will be presented with the library’s fourth annual Henry Crandall Award during the event.
The award recognizes one individual each year who has demonstrated the values and legacy of library founder Henry Crandall (1821-1913), including generosity, perseverance, loyalty, compassion, civic pride, and philanthropy.
The library trustees selected Austin from 13 worthy applicants nominated by members of the community.
Library officials said Austin’s life and career has centered on this community. As stated by Mark Behan of Behan Communications in his nominating essay, “John Austin’s life and career – as a county and family court judge, library leader, local elected official, author, nationally recognized genealogist and historian – is a testament to how one man pursued a commitment to preserving and protecting the most cherished aspects of our community – its culture and history, its beauty, its children and its future.”
Past Henry Crandall Award recipients are state Sen. Betty Little (2012), Christopher Scoville (2011), and Richard Bartlett (2010).
“Hooray for Hollywood” attire is black tie optional, offering guests an opportunity to “glam it up” in celebrity style.
Reservations for Hooray for Hollywood may be made online at crandalllibrary.org or by calling 792-6508, extension 284.
Seating is limited and prepaid reservations are required by Aug. 30. Sponsorship and honorary committee opportunities are available and can be viewed at crandalllibrary.org/galafundraiser.php.
Crandall Public Library is located at 251 Glen St. in Glens Falls.