A climactic event capping off The Year of the Goose is set for Saturday, Jan. 7 at Trotter Convention Center in downtown Columbus. Honoree Edwina Williams — known to many as Mother Goose — will be the evening’s featured guest as friends and fans celebrate her 30th year recreating the beloved storybook character for the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library. The occasion also toasts her birthday.
“Goose’s Grand Gala” will begin at 6:30 p.m. and includes a cocktail supper, open bar and live music by Star and Micey. Jeffrey Rupp emcees the gathering that also offers a raffle of a custom farm table valued at $4,000, made by Mississippi Farm Tables and Steel Forest Furniture Co. All proceeds from the gala and raffle directly benefit the Edwina Williams Endowment for Children’s Literature.
“This is the last event in the year-long Year of the Goose,” said event co-organizer Anne Freeze. “We will celebrate Mother Goose and hopefully announce that we have reached our goal of $100,000 for the endowment a year early.”
Established to enhance children’s programs at the library, the endowment will enlarge the institution’s collection of national and state children’s book award winners, enhance the library’s Early Childhood Resource Center and Autism Resource Center, and provide resources and workshops to help parents instill reading skills in their children.
The endowment originally targeted the end of 2017 for reaching its $100,000 goal, Freeze explained. The fund, however, is already past the 75-percent threshold, and organizers hope the gala will push it over the top.
Commemorative year
In the past months, a volunteer Year of the Goose Committee and Friends of the Library have organized two other celebrations honoring Williams — a Storytime Reunion Tea Party in April, and a community picnic in August.
“It’s been a pleasure being part of the planning of the Year of the Goose,” said committee member Amber Brislin. “Mother Goose holds a dear place in my heart. She epitomizes pure kindness and a sweet spirit, is a role model for our children and encourages a lifelong love of reading. She’s an integral part of making Columbus the special town that we call home.”
Columbus-Lowndes Public Library Director Erin Busbea joined the local library system almost nine years ago, not knowing who Columbus’ Mother Goose was.
“But it did not take me long to learn that she is truly an icon,” Busbea said. “She has a deep passion for children and engaging them in ways that are unique to her personality. … To say that the library system has benefited from Mother Goose and her presence is an understatement. Our lives have been greatly enriched because of her.”
An humbled Williams said, “I’m thrilled over the entire year, and I really thank the Friends of the Library. They have surprised me with such nice events; it’s been wonderful.” Most importantly, the celebratory year places emphasis on children’s literacy.
“It’s not about me,” Williams continued. “It’s about the children who like to read, need to read and want to read.”
In no way does the 30th anniversary of her embodiment of Mother Goose signal a retirement, Williams emphasized. “I’m still going strong. I hope for another 30 years!”
How to go
Tickets to “Goose’s Grand Gala” are $50, available online at https://squareup.com/store/friends-of-the-columbus-lowndes-public-library. Tables for eight are $400. Access a ticket link on the Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Library Facebook page. Or contact Freeze at 662-549-3792, or email [email protected]. Cocktail attire is specified.
While some tickets may be available at the door, organizers strongly urge advance purchase to ensure admittance. The gala is open to the public.
Farm table raffle tickets are $10, or five for $40, available through the Friends’ Facebook page, or go directly to goo.gl/Aos1U9. Raffle tickets will be sold at the gala as well.
Several individuals and businesses are already on board as sponsors, Brislin said, but many more are needed.
“What a wonderful birthday gift it would be to share the news with Mother Goose that the endowment goal has been met, but it can only be achieved by support of the event, by sponsorship, attendance and raffle proceeds,” Brislin said. “I encourage everyone to get behind this. We’re almost there.”
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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