Friends of the Scarsdale Library Gala Raises Record $130,000 at “Casino Royale” Evening

The community’s enduring enthusiasm for the Scarsdale Library was on full display on Friday, April 17, as more than 250 guests gathered at Beach Point Club in Mamaroneck for the 2026 Friends of the Scarsdale Library Gala, themed “Casino Royale.”

From the moment guests arrived, they were transported into a festive and elegant setting shaped by the creative vision of event producer Sabine Poisson. Drawing on her design expertise, Sabine led the aesthetic direction of the evening, transforming the waterfront venue into an immersive “Casino Royale” experience. From the overall room design and layout to the refined decorative details, her work set the tone for a sophisticated and cohesive atmosphere that carried throughout the night.

Working closely alongside her, gala co-chair Allison Commeau of Confetti by Allison oversaw the planning and execution of the event, ensuring that every element came together seamlessly and that guests experienced the evening exactly as envisioned.

The night featured signature cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a lavish buffet overlooking Long Island Sound. Guests tried their luck at blackjack and craps tables while enthusiastically supporting the library’s mission.

Beyond the décor and entertainment, the event delivered strong engagement from attendees. Guests participated in a robust silent auction featuring sought-after items from local businesses and national brands, while balloon pops and raffle prizes added an extra layer of excitement.

The gala was not only a vibrant social gathering but also a record-breaking success. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, and donors, the event raised an impressive $130,000 in support of the Scarsdale Library.

Notably, the evening welcomed many newer residents attending for the first time, signaling a growing and engaged next generation of supporters eager to connect with and contribute to the community.

Gala co-chairs Daniela Retelny Blum, Toby Milstein Schulman, Liza Brush, and Allison Commeau brought a fresh vision to the event, balancing elegance, energy, and purpose.

The evening also served as a reminder of the library’s evolution. Sixteen years ago, when plans were first developed to reimagine and expand the Scarsdale Library, questions arose about the role of libraries in an increasingly digital world. The vision, however, extended far beyond books—a vibrant, multigenerational community hub. Although the newly constructed library’s opening was delayed by the pandemic until May 2021, it has since been fully embraced, with packed programs, active study spaces, and a steady calendar of events.

That momentum continues today, driven in large part by the Friends of the Scarsdale Library. Funds raised support key initiatives including the Makerspace, museum passes, and year-round programming for residents of all ages.

In recent years, leadership of both the Library Board and the Friends has transitioned to a new generation of stewards, who continue to expand programming, maintain the facility, and build on the library’s success.

Reflecting on the evening, the co-chairs shared:

“What a way to spend a Friday night. We are deeply grateful for your presence at the Friends of the Scarsdale Library Gala. Bringing together more than 250 members of the FOSL community—both long-standing supporters and new faces—made for an unforgettable evening.

Thanks to your generosity, we are thrilled to have surpassed previous fundraising records. Every contribution—through attendance, sponsorships, auction bids, raffle participation, and balloon pops—helps us enhance our programs and ensures the library remains a vibrant hub for our community.”

Proceeds from the gala will enable the Friends of the Scarsdale Library to continue supporting the programs and resources that make the library an essential part of community life.

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The Friends of the Scarsdale Library would like to extend their sincere thank you to their headline sponsors whose support made the evening possible:

Double‑07 Headline Sponsor:
- The Angela Retelny Team at Compass
Royal Casino Entertainment Sponsor:
- NewYork-Presbyterian
Vesper Martini Cocktail Sponsors:
- Cheryl and Philip Milstein
- Toby and Judah Schulman
High-Roller Sponsors:
- Anonymous
- Breaking Solutions
- Marichal and Aman Gupta
- PURE Insurance
- Tiah & Chris Gotfredson
- Shoreline Painting
- The Scarsdale Hub

They would also like to thank all of the gala's sponsors and the many local and national businesses that contributed to the silent auction and balloon raffle, as well as Mark Jessamy Photography for capturing the evening.

For more information about the Friends of the Scarsdale Library or to make a donation, please visit https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/connect/friends. If you would like to get involved with the Friends, please email foslpresident@gmail.com.