Funds raised for Library Park instruments thanks to Mark and Andy event
October 13, 2021
Crete's Tom King as Andrew Carnegie (left) and Chicago actor Warren Brown as Mark Twain stand for a photo in the adult reading room of the library before last Thursday's event.
Warren Brown engages fundraiser guest as his Mark Twain character prior to the performance.
Crete's Tom King as Andrew Carnegie and Chicago actor Warren Brown as Mark Twain prepare to entertain the crowd in the Crete Carrier Community Room of Crete Public Library.
Tom King portrays Andrew Carnegie while the quilt "Ode to Libraries" is displayed near the stage.
Crete's Tom King as Andrew Carnegie and Chicago actor Warren Brown as Mark Twain entertain the crowd
Esther Beile browses the bid sheet for one of the donated quilts in the silent auction.
Master of Ceremonies Jay Gilbert announces silent auction winners as bid records are organized by Library Director Joy Stevenson.
Crete's Tom King as Andrew Carnegie and Chicago actor Warren Brown as Mark Twain took a brief tour of Crete Public Library prior the evening's events.
Crete's Tom King as Andrew Carnegie and Chicago actor Warren Brown as Mark Twain look into the Kinetic Technology Room of Crete Public Library prior the evening's events.
Crete's Tom King as Andrew Carnegie (left) and Chicago actor Warren Brown as Mark Twain stand for a photo in the adult reading room of the library before last Thursday's event.
More than 80 guests were entertained by Mark Twain, played by Warren Brown, and Andrew Carnegie, played by Tom King, on Oct. 7 during a Crete Public Library fundraiser to purchase outdoor musical instruments for Library Park.
Brown, of Chicago, and King, who lives in Crete and serves as the Library Advisory Board President, spoke in character about their backgrounds, while at the same time teased each other about wealth and lifestyles. Compatriots in real life, the audience learned more about these great men during a lively performance. A question and answer period followed, and each man demonstrated his breadth and depth of the men they portray.
Over 30 donated quilted items, including throw quilts, crib quilts, table runners, and wall hangings, and related items were snapped up in a silent auction that was held during the evening. A total of $7,500 was raised from ticket sales and auction proceeds.
One of the biggest surprises of the evening occurred when two anonymous donors together outbid everyone for the quilt, “Ode to Libraries.” They decided the quilt needed to remain in the library to be on display.
The library hopes to have the park instruments installed by Spring 2022.
Crete Public Library 1515 Forest Ave. Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.3809
