"Cigar Smoker" event to help raise funds for Fort Worth Public Library ahead of 125th anniversary this week

[JohnS]

If you reside around the Forth Worth-Dallas area, perhaps you can check this out...

"Cigar Smoker" event to help raise funds for Fort Worth Public Library ahead of 125th anniversary

 By Ken Molestina - Updated on: May 4, 2026 / 5:45 PM CDT / CBS Texas 

The Fort Worth Public Library is getting ready to celebrate its 125th anniversary. For nearly three decades, a specific fundraising event has become a must-attend event for movers and shakers in the city who enjoy supporting the library's mission.

CBS News Texas is a proud supporter of The Cigar Smoker fundraiser, taking place May 6 at the Fort Worth Club. CBS News Texas anchor Ken Molestina will serve as the event's emcee.

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

"They've been able to fund special projects. They have funded purchases of equipment such as the 3-D printers we have across all the libraries, and other programs," Linda Barrett, the manager of the Fort Worth History Center and the city's archivist, said.  

The library's roots date back to 1892, when literary pioneer and civic leader Jennie Scheuber organized a group of women to establish a library association and to raise money for it.

Then, a few years later, they received a massive donation from the richest man in the world at the time – Andrew Carnegie of New York. He donated $50,000 to build Fort Worth's first library.

Scheuber and her team continued seeking funds for the upkeep of the library, and it was said they would go around town asking anyone to donate what they could or "the price of a good cigar".

That quote, "the price of a good cigar", is what birthed the idea of the modern-day Cigar Smoker event.

Barrett said the event, usually held in early May of every year, has become the hot ticket in town.

She added, "It's people that enjoy cigars, maybe having some whiskey, but it's also people that want to support the library and want to see it grow in their community."

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/cigar-smoker-fort-worth-public-library-fundraiser-may-6/

[Çnote]

Not on my radar, but I don't move in these circles. No web portal for tickets and that Club is perhaps the most exclusive in town.

Looking at sponsors, not having local bands like Rojas, Ohana, or especially Micallef involved is a little telling. Perdomo or Oliva would make sense as well. I don’t patronize the two retailers involved. At least Ironroot will bring some good whiskey.

@Capn_Jackson any thoughts on going to this?  Is your tux back from the cleaners? 

 

[Capn_Jackson]

@Çnote my tux is... hmm, well who knows?  I don't think I've seen that thing in years.

Too busy this week with Finals and student concerts/recitals. I've only been to the Ft Worth Club once, and let's just say that one does not simply "show up." 😆 That said, I am now picturing the two of us wearing the tuxes from Dumb and Dumber, strutting in the door.

I do find it really odd that Micallef isn't involved, especially, or Rojas and Ohana, as you mentioned. I didn't see any retailers noted in the article, who am I missing?

[Çnote]

8 hours ago, Capn_Jackson said:

simply "show up." 😆

One doesn't simply 'walk in' to the Davey Oo'Brien museum?

I'm really not shocked Ohana or Rojas didn't get the plug, but leaving Al out is very FtW politics, especially as Silverleaf was a retail sponsor. Willams was the other retailer listed, so they probably did the roll-on-site thing that that guy does, and that would definitely keep Noel away, etc,etc,etc.

The truly sad part here is $4M over 30 years is a drop in the bucket for what they'll need to reopen the library downtown. Closed for years now and really no hope of it reopening anytime soon, but that's more Texas politics and oil rights real estate prices.

[Capn_Jackson]

I don't foresee the downtown branch opening in my lifetime. If it does, and I'm an old man, I'll go there and be a grumpy old man. Every Wednesday after I eat lunch at 9:30am. They can deal with me.