thank you to all at the Newberry Library benefit on April 14

We had a fantastic time at the silent auction and benefit, which raised about $2.4K to help defray Michael's medical expenses. About 40 friends from Michael's classes both at the Newberry and the Irish American Heritage Center, came to enjoy chef Jamie Doherty's creative samplings of specialty foods and artisan cheeses, presented so beautifully on platters with dried fruits, Marcona almonds, lemon and tomato confitures. The cheeses, from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, were paired with assorted Irish style ales, with special thanks to Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Josh Sazy, who donated to the silent auction.

Thanks for all the auction item donations, and for all the volunteer help needed to make this possible. Special thanks to our hosts, The Newberry Library, for donating the space, and to Michael's colleagues, Tom Popelka and Rachel Bohlmann, for making that possible and handling the logistics of the silent auction! Many thanks to Ellen Levy for underwriting the insurance.

Special thanks to Kelly and Jamie Doherty, for getting out the word to so many of Michael's students, and for all their care of Michael's cats and apartment over the past 5 months.

Musicians Noah Smulkis, Mike O'Regan and Karen Reshkin performed wonderfully. They are organizing a benefit concert in June, and details will appear soon.

Thank you to all!!