Preliminary totals estimate 2008 proceeds to be more than $30,000—raising more than $250,000 during the history of the event—which will allow to Friends of RCPL to continue supporting special library projects and programming. Most recently, the Friends matched a $65,000 federal grant for the new Ballentine library facility that opened in December 2007 and another $150,000 toward the library’s self checkout system.

Highlights of this year’s silent and live auctions included catering by Bonefish Grill, music by the Tony Torre Orchestra and more than 50 baskets built around literary themes. Baskets featured a variety of items such as books, gift certificates, event tickets, jewelry and much more. Special items included hotel packages to many exciting destinations, including Chicago, New York, New Orleans and the Lowcountry, as well as an outdoor adventure package in the mountains of West Virginia, a one of a kind diamond dome ring and a nature walk with Rudy Mancke.

The 2008 event was made possible by the generous support of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Bonefish Grill, Carolina National Bank, Colonial Life, Colonial Printing Inc., First Community Bank, PrintSouth Printing, Inc., and Sowell Gray Stepp & Laffitte.
The Friends of RCPL is a nonprofit organization charged with raising awareness of and support for RCPL. Memberships start at $25. A variety of new fundraising events are planned for 2009, for additional information on the Friends of RCPL, visit www.myRCPL.com or call (803) 929-3475.