Monterey Park Library Foundation held their annual fundraising dinner on May 21 at NBC Seafood Restaurant.

Guitarist Froylan Gutierrez entertained the guests with classic songs as the event began to unfold.

Vince Chang, a member of the Library Board of Trustees was the Master of Ceremonies.  He welcomed all to this event. He introduced special guests that included Councilmember David Lau, former Councilmember Francisco Alonzo, Alhambra School Boardmembers Bob Gin and Adele Andrade-Stadler, Rosemead Councilmember Polly Low, Assemblymember Mike Ing and Congressmember Judy Chu. We will enjoy a good meal and hope to raise funds for the library.  City Clerk Dave Barron led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members of the Mark Keppel High School Chorus entertained the guests with songs and dances popular in the 1970s.  The restaurant rocked to the beat as the guests clapped their hands and sang along with the students.

Councilmember David Lau presented Library Foundation Board President Peter Chan with a proclamation. All the Councilmembers send their greetings. We have the best library in California. He thanked the Library Board, Library Foundation, Friends of the Library and the librarians. He has donated $25,000 to the new library. He thanked all the sponsors, volunteers and staff.

Assemblymember Mike Eng presented proclamations to Library Foundation Board President Peter Chan and former Councilmember Francisco Alonzo.  He is happy to be here in the difficult times of the financial meltdown. It was because no one was watching the store.  Tonight we will be positive and have a positive attitude. He honored Mr. Chan for his dedication to the library. He honored Mr. Alonzo for his generous donation of his Council salary to the library. He thanked all the table sponsors. When you give to the library you give us hope. All the residents use the library. He thanked the Library Foundation Board, Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library.  He asked God’s blessing on all.

Yvonne Shu from Congressmember Adam Schiff’s office presented proclamations to Peter Chan and Francisco Alonzo for their dedication to the library.

Members of the Harmony Group performed several traditions folk dances from the Himalayas and Mongolia. They were dressed in colorful traditional garb. The group was founded a year and a half ago.

Librarian Dr. Barbara Morrow Williams, Boardmembers Ruth Willner and Peter Chan posed with artist Ricardo Mendoza and a proto-type of his art that will be installed on the outside wall of the library.

Mr. Mendoza spoke about his design. He wanted to express the wonders of the library.

Boardmembers joined Librarian Dr. Barbara Morrow Williams in honoring Peter Chan and Francisco Alonso.  Your support is extremely important to all of us. Mr. Chan was honored for his dedication to the library. Mr. Alonzo was honored for donating his trust fund to the library.

Dr. Morrow Williams introduced the library staff to the audience. She thanked all the sponsors for their generous donations.

Congressmember Judy Chu honored Peter Chan with a proclamation. She has been going to the Library Foundation dinners for many years. We have a lot to be proud of at our library. The old library needed help so with grants and donations the Library Foundation was able to rebuild the old building on the site.

Library Foundation member Virginia Greene thanked all the table sponsors for their generous donations.

Approximately 200 people enjoyed a delicious Chinese dinner and purchased raffle tickets in hopes of winning prizes.

Mr. Chan thanked all the guests for supporting the library. Funds have been cut from the library budget and it is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. The funds raised tonight will be used to buy books. We need your continued support. He thanked all for coming to this special library event. He thanked all the entertainers, Johnny Thompson Music for the sound system and Monterey Park Florists.

Donations of funds or used books to be sold at the Book Store are always welcomed at the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library.