The 120th anniversary celebration of the Hastings Public Library drew some 250 people to the Thornapple Plaza on Sept. 10, Library Administrator Laura Ortiz reported to the Hastings City Council Monday. Ortiz said a good time was had by all, with a fundraiser the centerpiece of the event. She publicly thanked the eight people who volunteered to have people try to hit them in the face with a pie, for a price.
The effort raised $645 for the library coffers, showing if you give the public what they want, they will come. Ortiz announced the top two pie recipients, with the big money winner Department of Public Services Director Lee Hays and the runner-up Councilman David Tossava. Tossava also had the distinction of making the most money in the shortest amount of time. In five minutes, he raised $145.
Hays, who said earlier that he was “so nice people wouldn’t want to hit me in the face with a pie,” quickly learned differently. He was the first place money winner bringing in $150. He was rewarded with a cheesy trophy, which he held aloft like a true champion, and the thanks of the library staff for being a such a good sport to benefit the library.
