The Fort Worth Public Library Foundation

06/03/2026

Smoking a cigar can be fleeting, but its legacy is timeless in a room like this.

Today, we invite you to step back into the room where it happens.

From the live Cuban cigar roller and the curated tastings, to the profound moments of true philanthropy that will secure the future of the Fort Worth Public Library, we invite you to relive the grandeur of the night.

Browse our official curated photo gallery, captured flawlessly by : https://photosbyday-desireedayphotography.pixieset.com/theci**rsmoker26/

05/26/2026

A legacy is not merely measured in years, but in the impact left upon a community.

We are honored to announce that this year's Cigar Smoker was a triumph of unprecedented scale, shattering every fundraising record in the history of this storied event. Across our exquisitely curated silent auction, the thrilling live auction, and our paddle raise, your dedication to our mission was uncompromising.

The true jewel of the evening, however, was not found in a humidor or an auction catalog. It was witnessed during the paddle raise appeal, when an extraordinary one-third of our attendees raised their paddles to invest in the future of the Fort Worth Public Library. The magnitude of this generosity was so deeply moving that it brought tears to the eyes of our Fort Worth Public Library team members in the room.

We do not measure our success in numbers, but in the enduring value we provide to our city and a legacy that will resonate for generations.

05/19/2026

A great event is not merely curated overnight; it is meticulously crafted by a team like Next Level Event Co.

The 29th Annual Cigar Smoker stood as a testament to uncompromising quality. True luxury reveals itself in the finest details like the flawless draw of Rocky Patel Premium Ci**rs, the time-honored craftsmanship of our live Cuban cigar roller, the curated tastings from local distilleries, and the exquisite experience anchored at every table.

An experience of this caliber requires true visionaries behind the scenes like Rattana Mao and Samantha Middleton and their entire team of event coordinators. You did not simply orchestrate another gala event; you elevated a 125-year-old legacy to the next level.

It is your unwavering dedication to perfection that creates an unparalleled evening for our guests, ensuring our focus remains exactly where it belongs: securing the future of the Fort Worth Public Library.

We can't wait to see what these masterminds craft next year for our 30th anniversary celebration. Save the date for May 5, 2027.

05/13/2026

Our annual Cigar Smoker event is meticulously crafted by those who know exactly how to set the stage.

We'd be remiss not to raise a glass of gratitude to our incredible volunteer Smoker planning committee. Last night, we celebrated what we can officially call a record-breaking 29th Annual Cigar Smoker.

Through their dedication, especially that of our co-chairs Dean Tzobanakis and Michelle Rossotti, they didn't just orchestrate the most exclusive night in town; they secured the future of our Fort Worth Public Library for all of us.

Because of all of you, the story of Fort Worth is still being written today. Thank you for investing in the next chapter of our city, one unforgettable night at a time.

05/07/2026

The smoke has cleared out from The Fort Worth Club, but the legacy burns brighter than ever.

To everyone who joined us last night: thank you. Because of you, 125 years later, Andrew Carnegie’s historic challenge to build a library for "the price of a good cigar" continues to live on, securing the future of the Fort Worth Public Library for generations to come.

An unforgettable night does not happen by chance. A sophisticated nod of gratitude to our incredible sponsors for supporting the event and making this evening a true masterpiece:

✨ Andrew Carnegie Presenting Sponsor: Harris Packaging Corporation
✨ Bar Sponsor: Atmos Energy
✨ Cigar Sponsor: Corrie Hood and Aaron Howard
✨ Media Sponsor: Fort Worth Magazine
✨ Winston Churchill Table Sponsor: Resources, LLC
✨ Marlene Dietrich Table Sponsors: American Carton Company, Frost, Luther King Capital Management, and Sullivan Law Offices
✨ Mission Partners: K&L Enterprise and Folsom Point Charities (Raffle Sponsors); Elena Yorio and Midori Clark (Step and Repeat Sponsors); Rob Henderson / Pocket Tool Warehouse and Paul H. Farmer, Jr. of Bonds Ellis Eppich Schafer Jones LLP (Volunteer Lounge Sponsors); Rob Henderson and Afallon Productions (amplify817 Music Sponsors).
✨ Our phenomenal emcee: Ken Molestina

We don't always immediately start thinking about the next year right away, but when we do, it is in anticipation of a milestone.

Save the date for May 5th, 2027 for next year's 30th-anniversary as it won't be the year to miss.

05/05/2026

We don't always make the evening news, but when we do, we ensure it is a story 125 years in the making. 🥃

Tomorrow night, the doors of The Fort Worth Club will open for the 29th Annual Cigar Smoker. As CBS News Texas anchor and our esteemed emcee, Ken Molestina, beautifully highlights in this feature, this event isn't just about premium ci**rs and whiskey: it is about a historic legacy that has raised over $4 million for the Fort Worth Public Library.

From fulfilling Andrew Carnegie’s historic challenge of donating the "price of a good cigar", to funding the innovative 3D printers buzzing in our branches today, this is how we build the future of our city.

Read the full CBS Texas story: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/cigar-smoker-fort-worth-public-library-fundraiser-may-6/

The Cigar Smoker, now in its 29th year, has raised over $4 million in its nearly 30-year run.

05/04/2026

Our highly anticipated Annual Cigar Smoker Silent Auction is officially open right NOW!

You don’t have to be in the room to walk away with its finest treasures. The gala is around the corner, and here is the best-kept secret of the evening: you do not have to hold a ticket to the gala to place a winning bid.

Whether you are enjoying a cigar at home or traveling the globe, you can still secure exceptional prizes. While the stunning items pictured here are from last year's auction, we encourage everyone to click the link below to check out what is featured this year. From incredible, one-of-a-kind art pieces to exclusive golf outings and unforgettable local Fort Worth adventures, this year's catalog is nothing short of extraordinary.

Browse the elite collection and place your bids today - link is in the comments!

04/30/2026

Seven days. That is all that stands between you and one of the most exclusive rooms in Fort Worth.

Next Wednesday, May 6th, the doors of the elegant Fort Worth Club will open for the 29th Annual Cigar Smoker. It is a night steeped in a 127-year-old legacy inspired by Andrew Carnegie’s challenge to fund a library for the price of a good cigar.

Prepare for an unparalleled evening featuring premium Rocky Patel Premium Ci**rs, tastings from local distilleries, the masterful craft of a live Cuban cigar roller, and both a thrilling live and silent auction.

We don't always leave things to chance, but when we do, it is for an exceptional prize. A sophisticated nod of gratitude to our exclusive Raffle Sponsors, Bonds Ellis Eppich Schafer Jones LLP and Folsom Point Charities, for making this year's raffle one you won't want to miss.

You don’t want to just hear about this night from others; you want to be in the room where it happens. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors, Harris Packaging Corporation and American Carton Company Co., for helping us gather Fort Worth's top community leaders to raise funds for the The Fort Worth Public Library Foundation and the Fort Worth Public Library.

Tables and individual tickets are sold out for this year, so you'll have to wait until our 30th anniversary to secure your seat for next year.

04/25/2026

There are countless rooms in Fort Worth.
But on May 6th, there is only one room you want to be in .

It is the room where it happens. Where community leaders, business executives, and library lovers all gather at the The Fort Worth Club to make our libraries a priority for the night, all in a room filled with premium smoke, unparalleled legacy, and exceptional company.

Not everyone stops for a photo, but when they do, we ensure they are captured in front of something special. We tip our hat to Elena Yorio and Midori Clark, our exclusive Step and Repeat Sponsors for this year's gala . Thank you for setting the stage for memories that will last a lifetime, just like the ones we captured in last year's selfie booth (swipe to see!).