Guests will be surprised at who they see strutting down the catwalk at the “Modeling for Makers” gala event, Saturday, April 18. Hosted by the C.H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, heads will turn, said former board member Cathy Geckle, who along with another former board member, Mary Thomas, is organizing the library fundraiser that will take place at Rock Ridge Country Club.

Notable Newtowners from government, town offices, and commissions, school administrators, teachers, coaches, and businesspeople have all agreed to make their own fashion statements, said Ms Geckle, adding flair and fun to the unusual fashion show to benefit the CHBMakers program at the library.

CHBMakers provides patrons of all ages with opportunities to research, develop, and actually create imaginative products through 3D printing, video production, and much more. A variety of platforms for creating is the goal of CHBMakers, moving forward.

Not only is the library a place of connection, reading, and discovery, Ms Geckle pointed out, but it is also a place of education. Creating a space where technology meets the needs of younger and older patrons, CHBMakers celebrates entrepreneurs.

The library currently owns a 3D printer, basic supplies, and provides training in workshops. To further the program, the ability to purchase more equipment and provide for more professional trainers will allow the expansion of the program to other areas of technology. Those items include more 3D printers, mobile carts, video production equipment, video conversion equipment, an electronic sewing machine, and a vinyl cutter. Funds from this event will enable C.H. Booth Library to continue its transformation into the library of the future.

Running on a loop throughout the evening will be a video of Young Adult Council (YAC) members using the 3D printer.

“Guests will have the chance to really see what we are talking about, and how amazing it is,” Ms Geckle said.

The organizers emphasize that Modeling for Makers is as apt an evening out for the gentlemen as it is for the women. The evening’s offerings go far beyond the light-hearted “fashion” show the organizers have planned, said Ms Geckle.

The evening will begin with a 6:30 cocktail hour of passed hor d’ouvres, offered champagne, a ticket for one free drink, and a cash bar.

When dinnertime rolls around, diners will find mealtime is in keeping with the theme of the evening. Asian, Mexican, American cuisines and more will be offered at “Maker Stations,” where diners can “make” their own custom meal. Plated desserts will follow the main course.

Members of C.H. Booth Library YAC have been busy “making” favors for the tables, Ms Geckle said. While not made on the 3D printer, each pair of earrings, bracelets, and charms for beverage glasses has been handcrafted. Planter’s Choice, the wholesale plant nursery on on Huntington Road in Newtown, is providing centerpiece plants for each table.

A silent auction is planned for the dinner hour, with a variety of items donated by local businesses.

“We have many wonderful gift certificates for this part of the night,” said Ms Geckle, as well as some unusual items of interest.

Next come the models. Mum’s the word, said the organizer, on the identities of these bold fashionistas. Some will appear in styles of their own “making,” while others may show off fashions from local clothing stores. Whichever they choose, said Ms Geckle, they will certainly “make” the audience smile. Emceeing this highlight of the evening will be Newtown Bee Associate Editor John Voket.

A lively time is anticipated as the evening continues with a live auction called by Monsignor Bob Weiss of St Rose of Lima Church. The live auction will feature offerings such as golf outings and golf equipment, two sets of four Yankees baseball tickets, UConn Women’s Basketball tickets, three-night stays at one of five hotels in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, a catered dinner from former Bountiful Board restaurateur Annie Trister, paintings and photographs by well-known Newtown artists, and a wood pellet grill.

“We’ll have several autographed books for the live auction, and [children’s book illustrator] Bruce Degen has donated books, each one with a framed, original drawing,” Ms Geckle said.

The evening will wrap up with a drawing for a jeweled necklace designed by Quality Gem jeweler Dennis Janofsky on a 3D printer, and brought to life by the Bethel jeweler. Mr Janofsky will display the various 3D production steps used to create this one-of-a-kind pendant valued at $3,000. Tickets for the drawing will be available at the event.

“We’re so grateful to Rock Ridge Country Club for their generosity and assistance,” Ms Geckle said. The organizers have already received a number of generous donations from patrons unable to attend Modeling for Makers, “But,” she said, “you don’t want to miss out on the fun.”

Modeling For Makers takes place Saturday, April 18, at 6:30 pm, at Rock Ridge Country Club, 214 Sugar Street Newtown. A limited number of tickets for Modeling for Makers are still available. Tickets are $100 each, and a portion of each ticket sale and auction items benefits CHBMakers.

For ticket information, contact Mary Thomas at 203-426-9696.