Big Band Bash to benefit new library
The Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation’s second annual Big Band Bash, a dance and fund-raiser to benefit the new library, will be next Saturday from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 209 Sherman Ave.
The music and dancing begin at 7 p.m., featuring the Coeur d’Alene Big Band with Ruth Pratt, library foundation executive director, on vocals. Pratt has been singing with the 18-piece band, conducted by Jim Barnett, at engagements over the past year and a half. The group performs swing and big band tunes, and plays once a month on Sundays at the Eagles from September to April.
The event is patterned after the 1940s USO dances, with hot dogs, popcorn and other ‘40s-style hosted snacks. Guests are encouraged to wear ‘40s attire and compete in the best outfit contest. Dance Tales Studio will be on hand to offer dance demonstrations.
Vintage cars will be parked in front of the Eagles Club with a red carpet rolled out for guests. The Coeur Group, a network of young businessmen, will be dressed in full ‘40s regalia to greet guests as they arrive. The group has agreed to facilitate the remainder of the fund-raising for the library through the foundation’s special events.
The Coeur Group will collect pledges for the library throughout the evening. In addition to pledges, several event sponsors have contributed $300 each so that the proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly to the library. Sponsors include Caroline Crollard, Dance Tales Studios, English Funeral Chapels, Friends of Head Start, Harris-Dean Insurance, Kootenai Title Co., Pennaluna and Co., Robideaux Motors, Specialty Tree Services, The Coeur d’Alene Press, Art Spirit Gallery, Wells Fargo, Witherspoon, Kelly, Davenport and Toole, Xerox and Yates Funeral Home.
The new library director, Bette Ammon, who is relocating from Missoula, will be at the event so that the people can meet her. She will lead the transition from the old facility to the new one.
Voters in February approved a $3 million bond for the new library. The Library Foundation, Friends of the Library and other groups have been holding fund-raisers to raise the balance needed to move forward, but $700,000 in private donations or grants is still needed, according to Pratt.
Tickets for the Big Band bash are $35 each and are available at the Library Foundation Office, 424 E. Sherman Ave., or at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 201 E. Harrison. To reserve a ticket with a credit card, call 665-0040.