The October 24th Lynne Rossetto Kasper benefit for the campaign to restore, renovate and revitalize the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall was a smashing success.

Ms. Kasper captivated an audience of more than 300 people with her "Food, Stories and Lore from Italy's Countryside." She is an extraordinary storyteller who wowed even those who claimed no expertise in the culinary world.

Nearly 100 patrons attended a pre-program luncheon catered by Michael Lench in the ACFL&MH;'s lecture hall - transformed into truly Grand Hall for the occasion. The room was adorned with the beautiful woodturnings of Edric Florence, and dozens of paintings of Carnegie (primarily on loan from the 3rd Street Art Gallery's recent Carnegie Painted show). Spectacular fall foliage from the room's wall of windows made the Hall glow.

Everyone was invited to attend a dessert and coffee reception in the Library & Grand Hall following Ms. Kasper's program. All Lynne's talk of culinary delights had attendees primed for the delicious treats were donated by Bethel Bakery, Forno, Michael Lench Catering, Moio's Italian Pastry, Starbucks Coffee Company, Collier Town Square, and Whole Foods Market.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the event such a success, especially the wonderful crew from Bishop Canevin High School.

And thanks to the very generous support of all attendees, donors who could not attend, and generous event sponsors Duquesne Light, Tony Sinatra and Beth Tarasi, Dollar Bank, High Mark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mellon Financial Corporation and Reed Smith this wonderful event netted more than $50,000!

So many thanks!

Read about Lynne in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Read about Lynne in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

To get a taste of Ms. Kasper's winning style, tune in to her nationally syndicated "Splendid Table," Sundays at 4:00 p.m. on DUQ 90.5 FM.