Murder Mystery Night at the New Rochelle Public Library

A sheet stained with red blotches covered a vaguely human form in the foyer of the New Rochelle Public Library Saturday night – but the “body” was actually a mannequin, the red splatters were paint, and the tableau was part of a laughter-filled evening billed as a “Murder Mystery Night” that raised money for the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation (NRPLF).

About 200 guests bought tickets for the interactive evening, which began with cocktails and a “strolling supper” catered by Posto 22. The NRPLF Murder Mystery committee transformed the library’s lobby and adult reading room into a glamorous venue accented by twinkling lights strung across the ceiling, black tablecloths topped with red tulle, towering flower arrangements and Halloween themed accessories. Beautifully-wrapped baskets displayed items donated for a Silent Auction, and the annual “Day of the Dead” exhibit in the library lobby complemented the décor.

The committee lined up a group of local citizens to play “suspects” in the hilarious James Bond themed plot: The rogue’s gallery included Daniel Bonnet as wealthy “Auric Goldthumb”, Joe Fosina as head of the agency “M”, Millie Illich as fortune teller “Tara Tarot”, Bob Marrone as agent “Felix Heavier”, Haina Just-Michael as slinky “Lady OctoCat”, Roland Rogers as gadget guru “Q”, Chuck Strome as Dr. No’s brother “Dr. Yes”, Kathy Wiegand as secretary “Mary Goodmorning” and Eric Woodlin as cunning “Francisco Scaralunga”. Event guests were grouped into teams and had an hour to question the suspects, who were stationed around the library; at the end of the evening the “murderer” was unmasked. (To the “shock” of all the killer was revealed to be mild-mannered M.)

NRPLF President Chris Selin praised the committee for creating a unique fundraiser that was “an amazing success. It took dedicated teamwork, and this event could not have happened without each and every one of the committee members.” Selin also thanked the evening’s “suspects,” who, she noted, are “respected members of our New Rochelle community who embody the Foundation’s mission to positively change lives.” And she thanked the generosity of the sponsors who supported the event, which raised money for “the New Rochelle Public Library, a treasured resource in our community.”

Event sponsors included Primary Sponsor Gwen and Gerald Adolph in honor of The College of New Rochelle, Cocktail Reception Sponsors Helene and Bill Handelman, and Major Sponsors the Modern Paint Group and Masonry Depot, plus Team Sponsors Charles F. Burke Jr., Chan Kwon Park/Rancho Grande, Richard Ellenbogen/Garb-o-liner, Lynn and Steve Green, Marc Jerome/Monroe College, the Kesten Family, Theresa Kump Leghorn and Tom Leghorn, Northstar Properties, Mindy Eisenberg Stark CPA, Steve Tenore and George T. Davis Funeral Home, Jeff and Kathy Wiegand; and Sleuth Sponsors Frank and Barbara Axel, Ralph C. Dawson and Leslie M. Demus, Philip DeRaffele, The Guidance Center of Westchester, Louis Iacopetta/LJI Management Corp., Iona College, Metro Med, NR Future, Carmen and Anthony Paolercio, Michelle Sanchez-Boyce, Chris Selin and Jeff Endervelt, ShopRite Supermarket, and Ilissa and Paul Warhit.

The Murder Mystery Night Steering Committee included Heather Brown, Margaret Chadwick, Leslie Demus, Kathleen Fanese, Barb Francella, Colleen Gardephe, Lynn Green, Haina Just-Michael, Kourtney Ketterhagen, Theresa Kump Leghorn, Melissa Riebe, Chris Selin, Karen Spencer and Anne Todd.

The New Rochelle Public Library Foundation is a volunteer fundraising and advocacy organization working to ensure the future well-being of the Library. The NRPL Foundation, created in 1993, supports Library initiatives that enhance opportunities for learning, exploration and public discourse. Among the Foundation’s recent contributions, it provided more than $106,000 to partially underwrite the cost of the remodel of the Ossie Davis Theater; along with new seating and exterior signage and entrance work, the upgrade includes assistive listening technology, greater accessibility and upgraded fire suppression, HVAC and other systems. For more information call the NRPL Foundation at 914-632-7878, ext. 1600 or email info@nrplfoundation.org.