Wilton, Conn. – April 9, 2025 – Wilton Library’s Decades Spring Gala, the organization’s biggest and most important fundraising event of the year, was held at the library on Friday, April 4, and it was a wonderful and successful evening with full community support on display. The gala welcomed 190 guests to celebrate both the library and its upcoming anniversary, themed “Decades: Celebrating 130 Years.” Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner, dancing, and the excitement of bidding on silent auction experiences.
The evening was a journey through time. After entering a 1920s speakeasy, guests took a spin through a 1950s diner, reminisced over a peace sign adorned with music, movies, and books from the 1960s, danced in a 1970s disco, and continued the celebration through the 1980s and 1990s, all the way to today.
Carol Johnson, President of the Board of Trustees, shared, “Friday evening was the personification of ‘We inform, inspire, enrich, and connect.’ The ‘Decades’ theme created a fun and energetic atmosphere for everyone to evoke fun, nostalgic memories, as evidenced by our guests and their creative attire. The record-breaking paddle raise led by Dr. Michael Crystal was a testament to how beloved and valued our library is to our community. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated their time, their talent, and their treasure to this historic evening.”
The event was made possible in part by the generous support of sponsors: ASML; Fairfield County Bank; Carol Boehly and Paul Hannah; Gregory and Adams, PC; Janet and Michael Crystal; Tom Dubin and Pam Klem; Charles and Jennifer Lawson; MCL Ventures; Rob Sanders Architects, LLC; The Rotary Club of Wilton; Stamford Health; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices; The Cannondale Campus–The Greens at Cannondale and Wilton Meadows; Caraluzzi’s; Frank Clark Electric; Marion Filley Team/COMPASS; Servco Oil and Propane; Susan Larsen Homes; Wilton Center Travel Ltd.; Wilton Re; Amplify Consulting Services; Advanced Dentistry of Wilton; A.P. Construction Company; Belden Botanics; Bolton Landscape Design and Masonry, Inc.; Carmody, Torrance, Sandak, Hennessey, LLP; Floor Covering Warehouse; Rudi and Karen Hoefling; Meadow Ridge; New England Propane; Orem’s Diner; Vision Consultants of Wilton; Wilton Center Lofts; Andersons Septic Service; Congregation Shir Shalom; D. Palladino and Son Septic Company Inc.; Bill and Barbara Meehan; Nature’s Temptations; Ryan and Faulds Land Surveyors (a Redniss & Mead Company); Safety Facility Services; Sara and Anthony Sclafani; Vital Stretch; and the Wilton Chamber of Commerce.
Betsy Huffman and Sue Stengrim led the Decorating Committee, which included Sabeth Albert, Michelle Baronowski, Eliza Brown, Marie Demasi, Nalini Hage, Susan Larsen, Marcia Marafioti, Tyler McCue, and Katie Nelson.