An Evening Out for a Great Cause

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An annual event since 2014, Wine, Wit & Wisdom is a fundraising event hosted by the Friends of Rochester Hills Public Library. This year’s event takes place at Rochester Hills Public Library on Saturday, April 25, from 6:00-9:30 p.m. Guests of the event will enjoy enlightening lectures, dinner, drinks, and can participate in a silent auction and 50/50 raffle to further their support of the Friends of RHPL.

“This is a great evening out for a great cause. Wine, Wit & Wisdom is known for its engaging speakers, and this year is no different,” said Cindy Gerstenlaur, Chair of the Wine, Wit & Wisdom committee. “We take care to consider the range of interests of our attendees and

want to make sure there is something for everyone. It’s our goal that you walk away having learned something new.”

Alethea Davenport speaks about the History of Pewabic Pottery at the 2024 Wine, Wit, & Wisdom fundraiser

This year’s presenters and topics include:

• Paul Vachon, writer and expert on Detroit history, details lesser-known yet significant historical Detroit events

• Jennifer Gebbie, author and avid traveler, talks about her most challenging and rewarding experience, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

• Jack Teetor, veteran Hollywood executive and producer, shares the inspirational story of Ralph Teetor, who overcame adversity to become one of America’s greatest automotive pioneers

• Stephanie Grabowski, a Forensic Scientist with the Michigan State Police, provides  expertise on how forensics is used in a variety of investigations, from public health concerns to solving cases

• Dan Arnold, Provost Fellow for Artificial Intelligence and Director of Support & Innovation at Oakland University, gives an overview of the positives and negatives of AI 

• Wendy Evans, a teaching volunteer from the Detroit Institute of Arts, leads a close examination of the impact of art photography by leading women artists in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In between lectures, attendees can enjoy an open bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks, a professionally catered meal, dessert, and a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Auction items include gift cards to local businesses, top-shelf spirits, jewelry, original art, and packages for local attractions.

The Friends of RHPL is a 501c3 organization, and all funds raised support library programming, collections, and services. “As the fundraising branch of RHPL, the Friends have a unique opportunity to work behind the scenes at the library, and we also get to be everyday library patrons enjoying materials, programs, and services,” said Friends president Ron Meegan. “The hard work that our dedicated team of volunteers puts into this event ensures that we’re able to give as much as we can back to RHPL.”

Registration for Wine, Wit & Wisdom begins on March 1 and can be done in person at the library or online at rhpl.org/friends. Tickets are $80 a person until April 13 and increase to $90 from April 14-April 20 when registration closes. Get your tickets early for the best deal! Guests must be aged 21 and over.

The Friends of RHPL is dedicated to building a close relationship between the library and its patrons by promoting knowledge of and informed interest in its functions, resources, services, and needs. We encourage community participation in library activities and raise funds for projects, activities, and acquisitions. We achieve our goals primarily through membership dues and fundraising.