Mayors Legacy For Literacy Will Honor 2 Residents, Best-Selling Author

Two residents will be honored for their commitments to the Caldwell Public Library. 

Caldwell Mayor Ann Dassing announced that Pat and Grace Collura will be honored for their generosity to the local library at this year’s Mayors Legacy for Literacy to benefit the Caldwell Public Library Foundation. The benefit will also honor best-selling author Dorothea Benton Frank. 

“Over a century ago, philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, donated $10,000 to build a library, and in 1907, the Caldwell Public Library opened its doors," said Dassing. "In support of Andrew Carnegie’s vision to do real and permanent good in this world, I am thrilled to announce the second Mayor's Legacy for Literacy Gala, honoring our very own residents, Pat and Grace Collura, who have been so very generous to our Library!"

The event will be held on Nov. 21 from 6-10 p.m. at The Green Brook Country Club in North Caldwell. 

Tickets are $90 a piece and included a cocktail hour, buffet dinner, dessert, beer, wine, soda and valet parking. To purchase tickets or place an ad in the night's ad journal, call Dassing at (973) 403-4636 or send an email to anndassing@gmail.com. 

Pat Collura is a former assistant principal of Verona High School and is currently an adjunct professor of French at Seton Hall University. Locally, Pat Collura is a member of the Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy, a past trustee and president of the Caldwell Public Library Board. He is also owner of Euro-Tours LLC., a longtime parishioner and lector at St. Aloysius Parish.

Grace Ann was a teacher in the Caldwell-West Caldwell schools for 21 years. She also served as a co-president of Saint Aloysius Rosary Society and is a former member of the Caldwell Women’s Club.  

Pat and Grace Collura have been married for 51 years, and have five children and 14 grandchildren. 

Dassing said she had high hopes for the upcoming event. 

"This promises to be a memorable evening for our community and we hope that many residents will want to attend in support of the wonderful work of the Collura’s, and Dorothea Frank’s dedication to literacy,” said Dassing.

Additional Library Foundation board members, as well as the Board of The Caldwell Public Library, and local residents, have also pledged their support.