Supper Stroll Storyteller Night hits home, raises money for South Lake Tahoe library

Leadership Lake Tahoe produced a new kind of fundraiser on Ski Run Boulevard April 28 called the Unforgettable Supper Stroll and Storytellers’ Night. Event organizers Kalia Knutson, Jeff Sterns and Jeff Cowen aimed to combine three goals into an innovative event: raise funds for the Friends of the Library, promote local businesses during the shoulder season and highlight South Tahoe’s local history to promote pride in the community.
The event took three sets of dinner guests on an edible pairings tour of restaurants up and down the boulevard and entertained them at each course with many of the stories and local characters that have shaped South Lake Tahoe’s history.

Thanks to three sold-out seatings and additional donations to the event, the organizers presented a check for $3,000 to the Friends of the El Dorado County Library. The proceeds included a $1,000 cash donation to the event by Harrah’s and Harveys.

Funding for the South Lake Tahoe Branch of the El Dorado County Library has been reduced year after year and further cuts are expected next year. In 2011, the Tahoe branch saw between 6,000 and 9,000 visitors each month and had more than 900 school age children attend their programs.
“As with many agencies, we have cut and cut and cut over the last five years,” said Librarian Katharine Miller. “We appreciate the help of our community to continue quality programming and provide excellent services to all patrons.”

The Lake Tahoe Historical Society, Genoa Ghost Tours and the Borges family provided talent for the evening. Nepheles, the Blue Angel Café & Catering, and Riva Grill served the courses and pairings. Aston Lakeland Village and other collaborators helped the Leadership Lake Tahoe group project.
Leadership Lake Tahoe is a training program set up in a similar format to an executive MBA. The program is run by Tahoe Chamber biennially under the guidance of alumni and Tahoe Chamber board members.

“The program aims to develop leadership skills while educating and engaging future leaders in the community,” Tahoe Chamber CEO, “B” Gorman said. “A primary goal of the program is for participants to take on additional leadership roles both at work and within the community, perhaps by serving on non-profit and agency boards, applying for commissions and potentially running for local office.

Gorman, who attended the event on Saturday night indicated that the Super Stroll might find a natural home aligned with the Labor Day weekend Sample the Sierra festivities. Guests commented that the evening was a unique diversion that they hope to attend again.