Popular Library Friends culinary event March 8

2014 A TASTE OF RIM COUNTRY UPDATE

Get your tickets now for “A Taste of Rim Country.”  The annual fundraiser hosted by the Library Friends of Payson, will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 5pm-8pm.  Tickets are $30 each, of which $15 can be considered a tax-deductible donation, and are now on sale at the Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Road (474-9260).  Tickets are limited and will not be sold on the night of the event.

During this fun-filled evening, guests can sample delicious appetizers and desserts, and enjoy a variety of beverages, including wine and sparkling cider.  As in past years, Fred Carpenter has agreed to serve as deejay.  To date, the following restaurants will be participating:  Rim Country Health and Retirement, Sweet Shoppe, Payson Senior Center, Dimi Espresso, the Randall House, Miss Fitz’s 260 Café, Ayothaya Thai & Sushi Café,  the Pinon Café (formerly the Knotty Pine), the Payson High School Culinary Club, and Gerardo’s Firewood Cafe.  Usually eight to ten local restaurants have tables on the night of the event.  A highlight of the night is the opportunity for guests to vote on their favorite chef with the winning chef receiving the “Best of the Best” trophy.

Guests can also bid on unique silent auction items donated by individuals and local businesses, such as a large original oil painting by local artist and LFOP President Conrad Okerwall, a gift card for 2 first class tickets for the Verde Canyon Railroad donated by James and Romaine Brophy, gift certificates from Bob’s Western Wear, Club USA, Boutique, Peggy’s Payson Place, countertop refinishing kit from Neumann Paint & Supply; 6x3 wool runner from Dan Good Flooring; Tempur-Pedic pillow and queen size sheets from Mattress Experts, and several gift baskets fashioned by Library Friends Board Members.

A very special thanks go to our Sponsors for their monetary donations.  These donations go directly to the Payson Public Library to purchase items such as books, movies, e-books, and support library programs.  We have 1 Gold Level Sponsor ($500), William and Ellen Olsen.  Our Silver Level Sponsors - George Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, LLC and Pioneer Title Agency – have donated $250 each.  These Bronze Level Sponsors have contributed $100 each:  Denise Blanchette (in memory of Chuck Blanchette, Chris Smith Investments, Sue Connell and Stan Garner, Edward Jones, Messinger Payson Funeral Home, Sami Frazier,  Joanne Ivins,  Lowery’s Window and Door,  Payson Pet Care PC, Mattress Experts, Karen Thornton, and Tom Russell and Associates. 

And thanks to the Beverage House for their donation of wine and to Safeway for their gift certificate.  The support of the community is essential to the ongoing success of the community’s vital library services.

All proceeds from A Taste of Rim Country benefit the LFOP General Fund, which provides equipment and supplies for Library programs that are not included in its regular budget, including a monthly stipend for new books.

The Library Friends of Payson, Inc., is a 501(3)C private, non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide financial and community support to the Payson Public Library.  More than 90% of all donations to the LFOP go directly to the intended purpose of the donor, which is much higher than the 65% standard set by the Better Business Bureau for charitable organizations.  All Officers and Board Members are unpaid volunteers.

For more information about A Taste of Rim Country, check out the LFOP website at www.libraryfriendsofpayson.org, follow us on Facebook, or call the Payson Public Library at 928-474-9260.