Our roundup of the latest Wellesley, Mass., non-profit news:

Library virtual gala flies by, raises funds

The prospect of sitting through a Zoom meeting at night after a full day on the computer for work is a tough sell. But when the Wellesley Free Library Foundation asked us if we’d be interested in attending its Virtual Gala this past week, we agreed since we are huge library fans.

And we have to give organizers huge credit for pulling off an enjoyable online event that flew by and raised a boatload of money for the organization, which funds library projects and resources such as unique play spaces, tech classes for kids and older patrons, and English as an additional language courses.  A silent auction and virtual paddle raise, along with ticket sales, fueled the fundraiser.

The traditional country club affair was not quite as swanky usual, though the Foundation made attendees feel special by arranging for elves to drop off gift boxes earlier in the day packed with fancy chocolates, cheese, and more.

We spotted a few nice dresses during the web conference, but most attendees went casual, some eating their dinners as they took in the action. Predictably, Lynne Smith stole the fashion show, though in a more understated way than usual. Her necklace and earring combo, paying homage to the the Foundation as well as the books of gala guest Susan Orlean, was magnificent.

 

Magnificent too were author Orlean and local news anchor and Wellesley library patron Lisa Hughes, who emceed the gala and interviewed the author of books such as The Orchid Thief, and more recently, The Library Book (a good read that intersperses personal history, library history, and a suspected crime).

Orlean acknowledged the morphing of libraries, but didn’t lament those changes. “Libraries have evolved since the beginning of time,” she said.

They aren’t “museums of books,” Orlean said. Rather, they “are spaces open to communities, open to everyone,” she said.

Upcoming changes to the Wellesley Free Library that Town Meeting this week threw its support behind are in that spirit.

Orlean said that with so many people working remotely—and getting used to the idea—could actually boost library use by those who stop toiling at traditional offices.

But here’s hoping the Foundation, notwithstanding its successful online gala, will be able to get everyone together in person the next time it holds the fundraiser.

 

The future is now for the Wellesley Historical Society

For several years now there has been a sign reading “Future Home of the Wellesley Historical Society” in front of 323 Washington Street, which the 501(3)(c) organization purchased in 2012. The longer the sign has been there, the more frequently the group  has been asked “So when is the future going to happen?”

The fact is, the Historical Society has been moving toward the future since they bought the 4,000 square-foot space, raising over $1 million dollars that has gone to architectural planning; accessibility improvements; lighting; IT infrastructure; painting; and partial mortgage paydown.

Now they are launching a Capital Campaign to raise an additional $1.5 million to complete the project and realize the goal of having the space to collect, preserve, and share Wellesley’s history for many years to come.

More information here about the Wellesley Historical Society’s Capital Campaign and how to get involved

WHJWC fundraiser — Wellesley Home for the Holidays

The Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club is putting together two fundraisers. They’re rekindling an old favorite, Luminary Night, and bringing in something new, the Wellesley at Home Cookbook. Here are the details:

Luminary Night

WHAT: On Luminary Night, residents and local businesses are encouraged to line their front walks and driveways with the soft glow of candle-lit lanterns, a unifying site that can be safely enjoyed from a distance. The pre-packaged kits of 10 luminaries will be available for purchase here. New this year, a reusable tote bag stuffed with seasonal swag will complement each kit. Kits with totes are $30, with the option of purchasing additional kits of 10luminaries for $20.

WHEN: Friday, December 11th (rain date Sunday,December 13th)

Cooking up a storm

WHAT: The WHJWC has put together a limited edition Wellesley at Home Cookbook, unlocking access to cherished recipes from notables in the local food scene as well as tried-and-true favorites from current and former WHJWC members. Suitable for gifting to teachers, friends, and family near and far, it will be available for purchase for $35 on the website, along with the Luminary kits.

FUN FACT: Mrs. Swellesley has contributed a fabulous, quick, and easy chicken recipe that has saved dinner many a night at our house.

Thanksgiving dinner for senior citizens

The Thanksgiving Dinner hosted annually by the Wellesley Fire Department will take place as a delivered meal on Sat., Nov. 21st, and is open to the first 200 Wellesley residents over the age of 60 who register. Registration can be done on My Active Center or by calling the Tolles Parsons Center at 781-235-3961 beginning on Wed., Oct. 28th at 9am.

Wellesley Friendly Aid keeps close to service mission during socially distant times

Wellesley Friendly Aid (WFA), a local 503(c) charity, has launched its annual fund raising appeal with letters and emails sent to Wellesley residents and businesses. All dollars raised are used to help Wellesley residents.

“Each fall we ask neighbors to help neighbors by making a donation,” said Deb Cogill, president of the 17-member Board of Directors. “Our funds come almost exclusively from Wellesley residents and organizations, and they are used for a range of programs to help our neighbors in need. Our Board members not only oversee the organization, but also serve as volunteers who organize and assist with many of these activities.”

Please make a donation directly through Wellesley Friendly Aid or by responding to the Annual Appeal mailing. For more information, contact Karen Mondell at [email protected].

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