August 18, 2017

Tickets available for Friends of Morris Library gala

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The annual Morris Library fundraiser on Sept. 16 will feature award-winning bluegrass entertainment, a buffet dinner, an auction and more.

The gala is the major fundraising activity to benefit Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Morris Library. Hosted by the Friends of Morris Library, the proceeds from the event provide valuable support for the library’s educational, research and scholarly missions.

Tickets are still available for this year’s event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Copper Dragon, 750 E. Grand Ave., Carbondale.

A silent auction, appetizers and cash bar kick off the evening. The dinner, served at 6:30 p.m., will feature grilled sirloin, garlic chicken breast, Portobello Alfredo, twice-baked potatoes, green beans, garden salad and mini-cheesecakes. The Bankesters family band will perform at 7:30 p.m., entertaining the crowd with their award-winning, family friendly mix of country, folk, bluegrass, gospel and Americana music.

The activities will conclude about 9:30 p.m. when the highest bidders of the auction items will be determined.

Event tickets are $35 each and are available online at https://www.siuf.org/events/ or by calling the SIU Foundation at 618/453-4900. The deadline to purchase tickets is Aug. 28. Space is limited and tickets will not be sold at the door.

Donations are also still being accepted for the silent auction. To donate an item or to learn more about the Friends of Morris Library 2017 Fundraiser, call 618/453-2522.