CLLS 30th Celebration Ideas
Authors Luncheon, sponsored by the Solano County Library Foundation
This “high end” fundraiser raises a net average of $50,000 - $60,000.
The Authors Luncheon began 13 years ago as the brainchild of a library foundation member. The event, held in the large ballroom of a country club overlooking the golf course, occurs the first Sunday in November while the weather is pleasant and the grounds are showing off their fall colors. Foundation staff and Board members greet guests at the door with a freshly poured mimosa and their luncheon seating assignment.
Guests pay $80 for a ticket, unless they are seated at a table sponsored by a local organization or business. Sponsorship begins at $500 for a half table, or $1,000 per table of eight guests. Higher sponsorship levels ($1,250, $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000) garner the addition of local media publicity, priority seating, and even a guest author seated at your table. In addition to a silent auction, a live auction also raises funds, and is conducted by a professional auctioneer, known throughout the county.
During and after lunch with wine, Edie Lambert expertly emcees the program. Edie is a well-known news anchor on KCRA, a Sacramento television station. Six authors are invited to the podium, one at a time, to talk about their work. Book genres are varied, and usually include a children’s book, a cookbook, a work of fiction, a mystery, and sometimes a crime novel or a non-fiction book. Each year, there are several well-known authors on the program. Prior to and after the program, authors’ books are on sale by a local bookseller, and books can be purchased and autographed.
Each year, an adult learner in the literacy program speaks to the group of 325-350 guests about his/her experience with the literacy program. This part of the program is usually somber and emotional.
The live auction wraps up the afternoon, leaving the event on a high-energy note.
Foundation Board members, Foundation staff,and volunteers perform the majority of the work that is required to host this event. Some businesses provide pro bono services such as the newspapers (advertising), the venue, proceeds from book sales, and the fee for the MC’s appearance. Many businesses and individuals donate items and services that are included in the silent and live auctions. Proceeds of this event support not only the literacy program, but other library programs as well.
The Authors Luncheon has high visibility and prestige in the county. It’s “the place to be” the first Sunday in November.