On May 19th, Hemingway Foundation Fundraiser Looks Back—and Ahead

The past, present and future will share the spotlight on Saturday, May 19th at the third annual Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park benefit.

Harkening back to a pivotal era when Oak Park’s most famous literary son emerged as an international literary force, the organization is calling the celebration a “Roaring ‘20s Gala.”

The guest of honor will be Paula McLain, bestselling author of The Paris Wife. All gala guests will receive a signed copy of McLain’s new book, Love and Ruin, which is yet another historical novel about Hemingway’s life.

The event at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., will also be a forward-looking affair. A portion of the money raised will contribute to a fund that supports the development and mentoring of young writers.

Through the foundation’s scholarship essay contest, an incoming senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School receives a $1,000 scholarship as well as ongoing mentorship over the next year with the foundation’s Writer-In-Residence, Cameron Gearen.

In addition to introducing this year’s recipient at the gala, the foundation will introduce the finalists of its third annual publication of “Hemingway Shorts,” a collection of short stories submitted by previously unpublished writers.

McLain will also share remarks. In Love and Ruin, she returns to the subject of Hemingway, this time through his passionate, stormy marriage to Martha Gellhorn—a fiercely independent, ambitious young woman who would become one of the greatest war correspondents of the 20th century.

Andrew Fullerton, Benefit Committee Chair and a member of the Foundation Board, said the organization “exists to foster great art in our community and beyond. We do not take lightly the responsibility of being a conduit to Hemingway’s legacy as an Oak Park native.”

The evening will feature food by TwoMayToz Catering, cocktails by Papa’s Pilar, wine, beer, ragtime jazz by Lakeside Pride Orchestra and a silent auction consisting of a wide range of items. Guests will also have the opportunity to put on their best Roaring ‘20s look in the Hemingway photo booth.

The Gala, which is from 7 to 10 p.m., will see the third floor of the Oak Park Public Library transformed into a speakeasy with signature cocktails, soft décor, and the magnificent view from the oversized windows overlooking Scoville Park.

Proceeds from this event benefit the Foundation’s mission and programming. Ten percent of the proceeds will be allocated to the Hemingway Foundation Scholarship Fund.

The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Foundation preserves Hemingway’s legacy through support of his birthplace home museum, which is visited by thousands of people each year.

For more information about the Roaring ‘20s Gala, or to purchase tickets, please contact info@ehfop.org.

To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.hemingwaybirthplace.com.