The Friends of the Library ‘Something’s Fishy at the Library” event was quite a success. Over 100 people enjoyed the fish fry and the music provided by the Pedigos. Planning for take-out was last minute, but that too was a hit as Greg Gilbert’s secret recipe for the fish created quite a buzz throughout the crowd and created a demand for even more. The “Friends of the Library” were honored with the opportunity to serve dinner to the Red Cross volunteers that were working up around the devastated flood area in Ripley.

The wonderfully creative fish that were auctioned off raised $1900 for the Friends to be used for the annex at 19 Main, much more than was ever hoped for, and the Friends are grateful for the generosity of the bidders. The highest single bid was $225, but there were several others that were very close to that level.

This kind of event only works well if there are many helping hands, and the Friends had many. The artists that created the fish, all the Friends of the Library that pitched in to cook, serve, set up, clean up, the businesses that allowed us to display the fish and posters in their windows, donations of bottled water from Pepsi, and the people that baked delicious desserts. Friends and supporters make the work go smoothly.

“The success of our fundraising efforts always goes back to our faithful and generous supporters,”said Shelley Sroufe, President of the Ripley Friends of the Library. “We are blessed to have such a vibrant library in our little town.”

The Ripley Friends of the Library wish to thank everyone that made our “Something’s Fishy at the Library” fund raiser so successful. We are grateful for all the artists that took their time and resources, and the bakers that created delicious desserts. A big thanks to all the people that attended, bid on fish, and supported the library. Special thanks to Chef Gilbert and Assistant Chef Fitzwater for masterfully frying the delicious fish, Ben and Harrison Pedigo for providing delightful music, Roberta Gaudio for helping us with procuring the food and offering sage advice, the Ripley Lions Club for not only allowing us to use the community park, but helping with prepping as well, Pepsi of Ripley for their donation, Bristow’s, CoHearts, and Ripley Florist and Sarah Weisner for allowing us to display the fish in their windows for all to see, and John Gibson for cutting the blanks for most of the fish. It is a good community that supports so many causes, and Ripley does, it is a good place to call home.

At their July 5 Fish Fry, the “Friends of the Library” raised $1900 auctioning off these uniquely decorated fish.
https://www.ripleybee.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Fish1.jpgAt their July 5 Fish Fry, the “Friends of the Library” raised $1900 auctioning off these uniquely decorated fish. Photo courtesy of Shelley Sroufe

Over 100 people gathered on July 25 at the Lions Club Park in Ripley for the fish fry and auction presented by the Ripley “Friends of the Library.”
https://www.ripleybee.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Fish2.jpgOver 100 people gathered on July 25 at the Lions Club Park in Ripley for the fish fry and auction presented by the Ripley “Friends of the Library.” Photo courtesy of Matthew Carpenter
‘Friends of the Library’ raise $1900

Staff Report