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Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner Raises Record-Setting $1.5 Million for Chicago Public Library Co-Chaired by Trisha Rooney Alden and Michael Sacks the Event Honored Don DeLillo, Walter Isaacson, Nami Mun and 67 Authors with Ties to Chicago Nami Mun chronicles a literary journey that started on the streets Chicago’s “literati” filled The UIC Forum Wednesday, Oct. 17 for the Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF) and Chicago Public Library’s Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner. National Book Award winning author Don DeLillo (White Noise, Underworld) and best-selling biographer Walter Isaacson (Steve Jobs, Einstein: His Life and Universe) were awarded the Carl Sandburg Literary Award for Fiction and Non-Fiction respectively and treated 700 guests to an engaging discussion led by fellow author and host of National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition Saturday, Scott Simon. The event also acknowledged emerging author Nami Mun with the 21st Century Award for her recent significant achievements as a Chicago writer and celebrated 67 authors, all with ties to Chicago who were seated at every table. Co-chaired by CPLF Board member Trisha Rooney Alden and Michael Sacks, the event raised a record $1.5 million to benefit innovative Foundation-sponsored Chicago Public Library programs. Guests were invited into an elegant cocktail reception during which time the authors were greeted by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and prepared for their cavalcade onto the stage. Jewell Events Catering developed a menu and presentation that illustrated the library’s mission throughout the evening beginning with passed hors d’oeuvres on library carts displaying the words “Learn,” “Read” and “Eat.” Books were used as serving trays and the waiters' t-shirts displayed the “words” of appetizers being passed. Quotes with references to reading and libraries were projected onto the large walls of the Forum surrounding guests with the importance of the evening’s cause. The evening concluded with a dessert reception where DeLillo, Isaacson and Mun signed books for eager fans. The “Learn,” “Read” and “Eat” library carts returned carrying delectable treats and as guests left the literary celebration they were handed freshly made donut holes to take home along with the books that adorned their tables. A surprise drawing allowed one lucky guest to go home with signed copies of books by each author that was in attendance.  Paying tribute to 67 Chicago authors at the 2012 Sandburg Dinner View our photo album from the 2012 Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner.
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