Tickets going fast for 'Taste of Rim Country'

2014 'TASTE OF RIM COUNTRY' UPDATE

There are a few tickets left for our annual “A Taste of Rim Country” Fundraiser”, hosted by the Library Friends of Payson, will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 5pm-8pm.  Tickets are $30 each, of which $15 can be considered a tax-deductible donation, and are now on sale at the Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Road (474-9260).  Tickets will not be sold on the night of the event.

During this fun-filled evening, guests can sample delicious appetizers and desserts, and enjoy a variety of beverages, including wine and sparkling cider.  As in past years, Fred Carpenter has agreed to serve as deejay.  To date, we have 11 participants:  Rim Country Health and Retirement, Sweet Shoppe, Payson Senior Center, Dimi Espresso, the Randall House, Miss Fitz’s 260 Café, the Pinon Café (formerly the Knotty Pine), the Payson High School Culinary Club, Gerardo’s Firewood Café, Cocktail Cheesecakes, and The Cedar Ridge Restaurant at Mazatzal Casino.  A highlight of the night is the opportunity for guests to vote on their favorite chef with the winning chef receiving the “Best of the Best” trophy.

Guests can also bid on unique silent auction items donated by individuals and local businesses, such as a large original oil painting by local artist and LFOP President Conrad Okerwall, a gift card for 2 first class tickets for the Verde Canyon Railroad donated by James and Romaine Brophy,  sterling silver jewelry, wooden roses, and jewelry cleaner and cloth from Payson Jewelers, hand-crafted candle from Payson Candle Factory,  2 $40 memberships to the Tonto Apache Gym from Mazatzal Casino, Snap-On folding licking knife from Ace Hardware, 1-month memberhip for Payson Anytime Fitness from Rim Country Optimist Club, gift certificates from Bob’s Western Wear, Club USA, Boutique, Peggy’s Payson Place, Fargo’s Restaurant, Village Wools Yarn Shop, Club USA, El Rancho, Home Depot;  countertop refinishing kit from Neumann Paint & Supply; 6x3 wool runner from Dan Good Flooring; Tempur-Pedic pillow and queen size sheets from Mattress Experts, and several gift baskets fashioned by Library Friends Board Members.

A very special thanks go to our Sponsors for their monetary donations.  These donations go directly to the Payson Public Library to purchase items such as books, movies, e-books, and support library programs.  We have 1 Gold Level Sponsor ($500), William and Ellen Olsen.  Our Silver Level Sponsors - George Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, LLC, Pioneer Title Agency, and 1 Anonymous Donor – have donated $250 each.  These Bronze Level Sponsors have contributed $100 each:  Denise Blanchette (in memory of Chuck Blanchette, Chris Smith Investments, Sue Connell and Stan Garner, Edward Jones, Messinger Payson Funeral Home, Sami Frazier,  Joanne Ivins,  Lowery’s Window and Door,  Payson Pet Care PC, Mattress Experts, Karen Thornton, Tom Russell and Associates, and Linda and Kenny Evans. 

And thanks to the Beverage House for their donation of wine and to Safeway for their gift certificate.  The support of the community is essential to the ongoing success of the community’s vital library services.

All proceeds from A Taste of Rim Country benefit the LFOP General Fund, which provides equipment and supplies for Library programs that are not included in its regular budget, including a monthly stipend for new books.

The Library Friends of Payson, Inc., is a 501(3)C private, non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide financial and community support to the Payson Public Library.  More than 90% of all donations to the LFOP go directly to the intended purpose of the donor, which is much higher than the 65% standard set by the Better Business Bureau for charitable organizations.  All Officers and Board Members are unpaid volunteers.

For more information about A Taste of Rim Country, check out the LFOP website at www.libraryfriendsofpayson.org, follow us on Facebook, or call the Payson Public Library at 928-474-9260.