Wilton Library had so much fun with its first-ever mini golf fundraiser last year, that it is doubling the stakes and offering an adult tournament this year followed by a family day. The Mini Golf Adult Tourney is teed up for Friday, Jan. 25, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with the Family Day on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The 18-hole mini golf course winds its way throughout the library from the Children’s Library, past the circulation desk, around the Innovation Station, into the reference area and in and out of the stacks.
Friday’s fundraiser is a night of “competitive fun” for adults only. Players can come together as intact foursomes, couples or even individuals – everyone will get to play and the library will team up individuals and couples. Trophies will be awarded to the winning foursome and a prize will be given for the wackiest, most creative golf attire.
“The kids and families enjoyed playing indoor mini-golf on a cold January day so much last year that we decided to up the ante and get an adult tourney going to raise even more money for the library,” Teresa DiLorenzo-Waldron, Wilton Library trustee and co-chair, said of the event.
Robin Axness, the library’s director of development agreed, “We kept hearing from people last year how much fun the mini golf was and ‘could we have it for adults next year!’ So we said a resounding, ‘Yes!’”
Libations and food also will be flowing at the Friday evening event, including a “John Daly” signature drink which assumedly will help keep the party going. Chez Lenard’s gourmet hot dog cart will provide sustenance for those working hard on the links and for spectators in the galleries cheering the players on, along with fried chicken and sides, and of course, a bar cart will be part of the festivities.
Attendees on Friday night can take part in drawings for a Date Night that includes two private dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studio and a gift certificate for Aranci 67; Sweet Pierre’s Gift Basket, Hot Tiger Shell Massage at Adam Broderick, and two great tickets to a New York Rangers Game on Feb. 10.
Tickets are available for foursomes for $300; couples for $150 and singles for $75. Couples and singles will be assigned to foursomes by the library. Spectator tickets are available at $50 per person. All tickets include food and drinks. Tickets may be purchased online. Tickets will not be mailed; golfers’ and spectators’ names will be on the guest list at check-in.
The next day, Saturday, Jan. 26 is for everyone young and old – families, grandparents with kids in tow, kids of all ages and adults. Beginning at 10 a.m., golfers can tee up for a round of 18 holes of mini golf. Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults. Tickets for Saturday’s fundraiser are $5 per person and may be purchased at the door on Saturday only. The ticket price includes carnival-type food provided by Wilton Rotary Club and face painting creatively crafted by Au Pair in America. The last tee time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Players will have a chance for a prize with a hole-in-one at the 19th Hole. Putters and balls will be provided on both days.
Joining DiLorenzo-Waldron as co-chair for the mini golf fundraisers is Gary Battaglia, with help from members Carolina Corrigan, Michaele Giannoutsos and Margret Greene.
Both mini golf outings are made possible by the following sponsors: AuPair in America, Bruce Bennett Nissan, Caraluzzi’s, Ethan Allen Preparatory, Fairchester Driving Service, Georgetown Orthodontics, Golf Performance Center, Hoffman Landscapes, Passage East Kennels, Realty Seven, Rob Sanders Architects LLC, The Southfield Center for Development, Wilton Kiwanis Club, Wilton Meadows and The Greens at Cannondale; 19th Hole Sponsor—Anytime Fitness; Wine & Beer Sponsor—Wilton Hardware; Bar Cart Sponsor—Kimco Realty; In-kind Sponsor—Wilton Rotary; and Media Sponsors—Wilton Magazine and GOOD Morning Wilton.
There is still time for people and/or organizations to become sponsors of the few remaining holes. To become a sponsor, visit the library’s website or contact Robin Axness via email or by calling 203.762.6323.
Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center. Wilton Library Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit that receives roughly three-quarters of its funding from the Town of Wilton. The other 25% is gained through fundraising events such as these. One hundred percent of these funds are used to fill the shelves with books, CDs, DVDs, along with providing databases, programming and services the community expects from this institution. The funding supports the library’s ongoing mission as the cultural and intellectual center of Wilton, striving to inform, enrich, connect and inspire the community.