CULLMAN, Ala. – Hundreds poured into Stone Bridge Farms’ Browne Stone Centre dressed to the nines in three-piece suits and perfectly bedazzled gowns on Friday, Oct. 13, to solve the harrowing mystery of who murdered Lou Zar in the speakeasy – or whether he was even really dead.
The murder mystery fundraiser dinner was hosted by Friends of the Public Libraries of Cullman County and aimed to raise funds for its partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which is currently serving over 2,500 children in Cullman County.
The speakeasy was a wonderous sight to behold, decked in shades of gold, cream and ebony with dazzling lights. Tables were ornamented with bottles of champagne as guests found their seats, and Wallace State’s jazz band kept guests entertained as they enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and mingled. As guests chose specialty cigars sponsored by The Cigar Box and even posed for a photo or two in the photo booth, a select few were chosen to play roles in the mystery through character cliches.
Through dinner, the storyline was set and the pressure was on to find out whodunnit. In the midst of butchered Transatlantic accents, several plot twists and gasps from the crowd, attendees were certain they had discovered the killer, motive and method. Two rounds of intense investigation – and bribery – found Eric, second in command of the bottleggin’ biz, responsible for the poisoning of Lou Zar.
“We had a wonderful night celebrating our literacy programs in Cullman County and are thankful for the supportive community for our libraries,” shared Tanya Higdon Allcorn, representing the Friends, who poured accolades onto all the organizations and people who helped put the show on.
“Thank you to Stone Bridge Farms for hosting our event We also would like to thank Mr. David Wiggins for being our emcee and a wonderful supporter of our libraries. A special thank you to Premier Bank of the South, Rock the South, Cigar Box and Brothers Gutters for your generous sponsorship,” she said. “We are grateful for all your support of the Friends of the Public Libraries.”
The annual murder mystery dinner serves as one of the Friends’ largest fundraisers, bringing in thousands of dollars to sponsor children in the area through its partnership with Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The estimated cost to sponsor one child for a year is $25. A final total raised was not available as of print time.
For more information on Friends of the Public Libraries of Cullman County and future events it hosts, visit www.facebook.com/fotplocc.
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