On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Verona Public Library Foundation proudly hosted the Library’s 2nd Annual Gala. More than 90 Verona residents joined us for a great party in the Library. We all enjoyed fantastic music performed by Max Morden on trumpet, guitar and vocals, John Priori on piano and Mark Peterson on bass. The Gala featured delicious food catered by Verona American Grill, and a well-stocked bar with beer and wine donated by Sarina Rivera & Louis Knoetig. Anderson’s Flowers Inc donated beautiful flower arrangements and Carlos Serra donated his excellent skills as an event photographer. Anne Choe also supported the Foundation with social media marketing for the Gala. Once again, the Gala showcased Verona’s immense local talent and the strength of our philanthropic community.
During the evening, Library Director Claudine Pascale and Mayor Chris Tamburro spoke passionately about the importance of public libraries in creating a strong community. VPLF President Gale Berninghausen spoke about the Foundation’s mission to fundraise annually in support of the Library’s programs and resources. The Foundation’s goal of $20,000 was reached during the Gala with a 50/50 Raffle that quickly earned $1,000. Verona Resident, and MIAAC Chair, Roxana Tirado won the raffle and was delighted to collect $500. Since the Gala, another $6,000 was raised by the Annual Appeal letter that was sent to each Verona residence.
Many of the Gala’s sponsors attended the event. We thank our Carnegie Sponsors Julia Prout of Prout Funeral Home, Philip Gelatt of Etch Productions, and Solutions Architecture. Brian Aloia of Aloia Law Firm was our Founder Sponsor. Our Patron Sponsors were Gregory Paglianite of State Farm Insurance, Verona UNICO, Church of the Holy Spirit, DeCozen Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Anderson’s Flowers Inc, The Hildebrandt Family, Mindy Rosenthal, and Robert Kovacs. Our Supporter Sponsors were Krauszer’s Food & Liquor, Lakeside Deli, Dr. George Papasikos, Maselli Construction, Anne Choe Enterprises, and Verona Bookworms Book Club. Each sponsor’s financial commitment to the Gala had a substantial impact in helping us reach our Fundraising goals.
The 3rd Annual Gala will be held at the Library on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 7pm. Tickets will be available for purchase starting in August. Inquiries can be emailed to [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: This event is for ages 21+ only.
Thank You to Our 2024 Gala Sponsors
Join Us as a Sponsor
Carnegie: $750 donation
● Full page ad in event booklet
● Mention in Press Release
● Prominent logo placement as “Carnegie Sponsor” on event signage
● VPLF website recognition as “Carnegie Sponsor”
● VPLF social media “shout-outs” recognizing sponsorship
● Library’s social media mention recognizing sponsorship
● One Ticket to the Event on November 14
Please note, additional event ticket(s) must be purchased separately.
Founder: $500 donation
● Half page ad in event booklet
● Mention in Press Release
● Logo placement as “Founder Sponsor” on event signage
● VPLF social media “shout-outs” recognizing sponsorship
● Library’s social media mention recognizing sponsorship
Please note, event ticket(s) must be purchased separately.
Patron: $250 donation
● Quarter page ad in event booklet
● Logo featured as “Patron Sponsor” on event signage
● VPLF Social media “shout-outs” recognizing sponsorship
Please note, event ticket(s) must be purchased separately.
Supporter: $100 donation
● Name featured as “Supporter” in event booklet
Please note, event ticket(s) must be purchased separately.