To the Editor:

On November 1, a record-setting crowd gathered to support and celebrate the Princeton Public Library at the annual Beyond Words benefit, sponsored by the Friends of the Library. After a talk by bestselling author Gary Shteyngart in McCosh 50 on campus, our guests moved to the Frick Chemistry Lab for fabulous food, a great silent auction, first-rate entertainment, and an after-party to end the evening.

Beyond Words was a spectacular success thanks to the hard work and generosity of so many. We would like to express our deep and heartfelt gratitude to our corporate friends: Presenting Sponsors The Gould Group of Wells Fargo Advisors and NRG Energy Inc.; Platinum Sponsor The Bank of Princeton; Gold Sponsors Church & Dwight, The Glenmede Trust Company and Princeton University; Silver Sponsors Bai, Hamilton Jewelers, Howe Insurance Group, McCaffrey’s, PNC Wealth Management and Tumi; and Bronze Sponsors Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Firmenich, Lieberman & Blecher, Herbert Van Ness Cayci & Goodell, Miele, Novo Nordisk, Pinneo Construction, Princeton University Press, Sure Tech, Stark & Stark , Princeton Building Maintenance Co., WithumSmith+Brown, and Joshua Zinder Architecture+Design.

And special thanks to our extraordinary on-site culinary contributors: Bon Appetit, Chambers Walk, Enoterra, Mediterra, Main Street, Mistral, Elements, Tre Piani, and the Witherspoon Grill. We are indebted also to Olives, Olsson’s fine foods, Small World Coffee, House of Cupcakes, Chez Alice, Cherry Grove Farm, the bent spoon and Thomas Sweet.

We loved sharing the evening with our 425 guests that night and missed those who donated but were unable to attend. Princeton University was incredibly generous not only in allowing us the use of their facilities but also through the work of Michelle Horgan, Erin Metro, Kristin Appelget, and Alice Monachello, who made that partnership happen with generosity and grace. Our silent and live auctions were a financial success and we thank those who donated fabulous opportunities, fantastic services, and enticing items.

As always the Library staff, particularly Leslie Burger, Janet Simon, Dawn Frost, and Tim Quinn, made significant contributions to our success. We were backed by a marvelous Benefit Committee. Finally, we would like to single out Sherri Garber, president of the Friends Council. Sherri deserves special recognition for her vision, energy and her leadership in this extraordinary event and to all that the Friends accomplish.

Yamile Slebi

Beyond Words Chair

Bill and Pam Wakefield

Honorary Chairs