“Foundation for Murder…..Poltergeist Heist” murder mystery dinner

Several weeks ago I wrote about a murder mystery being put on by the Palatine Public Library District Foundation called the “Foundation for Murder…..Poltergeist Heist” that is going to be held on Monday, June 11th from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Palatine’s Gianni’s Café as a fundraiser for the library.  Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending one of the rehearsals for the production and based on what I saw this is going to be a fun event.  If you enjoy a murder mystery and good food, get your reservations in today.

The mystery is based in a library where the Bogie Outreach Organization (BOO) is holding a gala as a fundraiser for the library.  Sound familiar?  The production includes a cat burglar, the FBI, a medium, ghosts and, of course, murder.

Gianni’s is going to be decorated as a library complete with books on the tables.  When guests arrive they will be given a name tag from BOO.  During the evening guests will be asked to participate in a treasure hunt and at the end of the night asked for their thoughts on who committed the murder.

If the murder mystery isn’t enough, I also found out what is on the menu.  Dinner includes a house salad, Chicken Picatta, penne pasta with vodka sauce, green beans almandine and finishes with, what I was told, chocolate cake that is “to die for.”

TesserAct Theatre Ensemble wrote and is performing the murder mystery.  TesserAct is a non-for-profit organization founded in Palatine by Tamara Kist-Jackson in 1993 that, according to their web site, prides itself on being "The place where community and performing arts meet."  "We are a family friendly ensemble," said Kist-Jackson, "that strives to produce quality live entertainment for the community while building intergenerational bonds of our performers."

Reservations are going quickly so if you are interested in attending you had better make your reservations today.  Reservations are $100.00 and seating is limited to the first 120 guests.  Reservations and information are available at www.ppldf.org, by email at foundation@palatinelibrary.org and at the front desk of the main library on 700 North Court in Palatine.  The deadline for reservations is June 4th.

Sponsorships, ads and raffle donations are being accepted through June 4th.  For further information on donations call 847-217-1845.  “We would like to thank a number of organizations that have sponsored this event,” said Wiseman.  “Without the help of BMO Harris Bank, BIK & Co., LLP, Palatine Bank and Trust and Warehouse Direct this event would not be possible.”

The mission of the foundation is to provide funding for a number of projects that would not be possible for the library to fully fund including computers in the children’s area of the main library, shelving and furnishings for the Freeman Road Branch renovation, the library’s bookmobile and furniture at the main library.  Specifically, funds raised through the “Foundation for Murder” dinner will directly support technological improvements in the public meeting rooms, providing a welcoming area for library programming.

The Palatine Public Library District Foundation was formed in 1993 by a group of community-minded citizens working to support the library by organizing events and projects to raise funds and advocate for the library.  The foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) charitable organization with all the funds dedicated to the library.

For further information on the Palatine Public Library District Foundation or any of their sponsored events write to the Palatine Public Library District Foundation 700 N. North Court, Palatine, IL 60067, call 847-358-5881 Ext. 155, email foundation@palatinelibrary.org or visit www.ppldf.org.