In the News: Library Foundation Dinner Raises Nearly $500K, a Fundraising Record.

Matthew and Adrienne Raptis were recently featured in the Palm Beach Daily news as table hosts at the West Palm Beach Library Foundation’s Food For Thought Dinner.

Shannon Donnelly
Palm Beach Daily News
Jan. 16, 2026

A New York Times bestselling author and his broadcast journalist wife were the featured speakers at the annual fundraising dinner for the West Palm Beach Library Foundation.

“Food for Thought” took place Nov. 8 at the Beach Club.

Melissa Sullivan served her third term as chairwoman of the event, which raised nearly $500,000 ― a record ― for community programming at Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach.

“This is more than a dinner,” said Margaret Moraskie, chair of the foundation’s board of directors. “It is a celebration of ideas, inspiration, and impact…thanks to the vision of Melissa Sullivan and her dedicated committee.”

“I absolutely love the Mandel Public Library,” Sullivan said. “It’s a beacon of opportunity for everyone in our community — but especially for children. Reading is a critical life skill, and the library opens that door for so many.”

Guests kicked off the evening in the Garden Terrace with a cocktail reception and silent auction before moving to the Ocean Ballroom for dinner ― Beef Wellington! ― and discussion at one of 28 tables hosted by prominent residents, each of whom decided the topic for their individual table.

We searched avidly for a “Vodkas of The World” table, but alas…

The evening’s highlight was captivating conversation between Daniel Silva, author of 28 New York Times bestsellers, and his wife, CNN Special Correspondent Jamie Gangel.

Silva’s latest novel, “An Inside Job,” debuted at #1 this past summer.

A live auction conducted by Jay Zeager closed the night.

Dianne Bernstein, ​Carrie Edwards and Myrna Landay served as honorary chairwomen. Abe Bernstein, David Edwards and Roger Landay were honorary chairmen.

Committee members included Rosie Barrig, Josephine Bayard, the Hon. Ann W. Brown, Lisa Erdmann, Margaret Moraskie, Adrienne Raptis and Julie Rudolph.

Table hosts were Leta Austin Foster, Mike Burke, Dr. Edward Davidson, Paul Gervais, Kelly Henry, Jeremy Johnson, Kyle Lucks, Trey Mahoney, David McClymont, Penny Maas and Stacey Logan, Daphne Nikolopoulos, Deborah Pollack, Rick Rose, Rob Russell, Serge Strosberg, Christopher Young, Zeager, Ricky Wade, Camilla Webster, ​Annie Falk, Robert Lloyd George, Chip Kidd, Jamal Lake, Nabil Meralli, Dr. John Merey, and Adrienne and Matthew Raptis.

More than 200 people attended

Proceeds directly assist the foundation in its mission to transform lives through the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach programs such as afterschool homework help, summer learning, job readiness and adult education.