The West Palm Beach Library Foundation is pleased to announce that Melissa Sullivan will chair the Foundation’s premier fundraising event, the 2023 Food for Thought. The event will be held on Saturday, November 4, at the Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach. Award-winning author Carl Hiaasen will be the keynote speaker.

Carl Hiaasen, Award-winning Journalist & Author – Special Guest Speaker. Photo Credit: Quinn Hiaasen

“We are honored and delighted that the Food for Thought is in the capable hands of Melissa Sullivan,” said Dianne Bernstein, Board Chair. “This event is most important in helping us realize our mission, and Melissa will help us take it to the next level.”

Dianne Bernstein, WPBLF Board Chair

“Food for Thought has seen dramatic growth over the last two years and has enabled us to significantly increase our funding to the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach. The continued success of this event is critical in fulfilling our mission,” said Dean W. Dimke, Executive Director.

Dean W. Dimke, WPBLF Executive Director. Photo Credit: Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART

Originally from Virginia, Melissa has resided in Palm Beach for more than 20 years. She is involved in the American Heart Association as a Vice Chairman of the Palm Beach Heart Ball. Other charities close to her heart include the Adopt-a-Family organization and First Serve. An avid reader and advocate of education, Melissa has established a scholarship at Stetson University in Deland, Florida, which emphasizes English, writing, and athletics. Melissa believes teaching children to read is essential, not only to their future careers, but also to the quality of their life.

“Books provide a window into realms that would otherwise be inaccessible to all of us,” Sullivan says. “Places, people, animals, conflicts, and resolutions that speak to us from the pages and fill us with glimpses into other worlds. Books give children room to dream of places to spread their wings in the future.”

The Food for Thought brings Foundation patrons and friends together with Table Hosts who lead lively conversations. Guests choose their table based on their favorite topics ranging from authors, entertainers, and community notables, while enjoying an evening of delicious dining and stimulating banter.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2023 event are available by calling 561-868-7704.

About the West Palm Beach Library Foundation

The West Palm Beach Library Foundation raises funds for the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach to provide free quality programs, services, and resources that enrich and strengthen its diverse community. The Foundation hopes to create an inspired community where children excel, and adults thrive. Gifts to the Foundation support popular library programs including afterschool homework centers, summer learning programs, reading programs, teen college prep, job readiness, and adult programs in art, technology, education, culture, and entertainment.

Photos Credit: West Palm Beach Library Foundation

Date Posted: January 27, 2023