Friends of the Malden Public Library’s Wine Tasting Gala fundraiser a great success

Special to The Advocate

The Friends of the Malden Public Library (MPL) hosted a Wine Tasting Gala fundraiser on Friday, June 21, from 7–9 p.m. in the historic Converse Memorial Building and Art Galleries in Malden. Guests savored a variety of wines and food assortments from Malden’s finest establishments. Live piano music by the talented Nate Shaffer delighted the crowd, as well as a Silent Raffle with exclusive items. A VIP early entry at 6:30 captivated guests with a tour of the world-class art galleries.

The Friends’ Wine Tasting has always been a tremendously popular event in Malden. First held in 2002, it sold out annually until the pandemic interrupted all in-person gatherings. This year, in coordination with the City of Malden’s 375th anniversary celebration and Kappy’s Fine Wine & Spirits of Malden, the Friends have revived this tradition. With this inauguration after the pandemic, the Wine Tasting Gala has now been restored to Malden’s yearly calendar of events.

The theme for this year’s gala was “Dressing through the Decades,” and attendees dressed in the style of their favorite decade. From the Belle Epoque to the Roaring ’20s, the Glamorous ’40s, Fun ’50s and Psychedelic ’60s – the guests did not disappoint.

The City’s top leadership supported the event, with Mayor Gary Christenson and team members Maria Luise and Kathleen Manning-Hall representing the ‘20s. “I couldn’t be more pleased to support the Friends of the Malden Public Library in their efforts to raise funds for the library that offers so many different activities, programs and events for all ages throughout the year,” acknowledged Christenson. “This fundraiser was especially fun since it focused on Malden’s 375th birthday and many of the attendees dressed in costume from different eras,” he observed. “Most impressive, though, was hearing from so many people about how they much they enjoy our library and what a valuable resource it is to the community.”

The Friends discovered a perfect partner with Kappy’s Rte. 1 Malden flagship store for this year’s event. “This Kappy’s location has a very extensive selection of wines,” stated MPL Friends President Mary Ellen O’Meara. “It’s my go-to when I need an extra-special fine wine, very convenient to the Linden section (Ward 8).” Kappy’s brought their best five wine vendors, each with an exquisite choice of wines.

“The sensory experience of tasting wines in an exclusive setting like an H.H. Richardson building from the 1880’s and surrounded by a world-class art collection is complete,” asserted O’Meara.

The Friends are grateful to the generosity of Gala Sponsors: All-Tech Electric, Buckley Bros. Inc., CRG Graphics, and Philomena Brackett, as well as to donations given by Donnelly and Reed Insurance, Shapiro Legal group and Rosetta Languages. Several local restaurants were showcased in the Silent Auction with gift cards donated by Mineirão Steakhouse, Pearl Street Station Restaurant, Exchange Street Bistro, 110 Grill and El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill. Martin’s Florist created a gorgeous floral centerpiece for the entry table, and New England Coffee Co. brewed plenty of coffee for folks to warm up with before exiting out into the cool, rainy night. The Friends also want to recognize the tireless efforts of Friends volunteers and Library staff who joined together to make this event happen.

The Friends of the MPL is a volunteer, fundraising organization, holding events for our diverse community to benefit MPL throughout the year. The Friends has been particularly involved in community outreach in 2023-24 and is always looking for new members! There is something for everyone to do at the Friends.

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