On Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, from 6-9 p.m. at The Westin Columbus, the annual Thurber Birthday Gala will celebrate the 114th birthday of James Thurber and the beginning of the 25th anniversary year that Thurber House has been in existence.

Special guest entertainment will be five-time Emmy Award winning writer Joe Keenan, winner of the 2007 Thurber Prize for American Humor for his novel, My Lucky Star.

Keenan is a playwright, lyricist and the author of two previous novels, Blue Heaven and Putting on the Ritz. Often likened to P.G. Wodehouse, Keenan has received five Emmy Awards for his writing on Frasier and is currently writing for Desperate Housewives.

The  festivities will include a Thurber Birthday Raffle with a chance to win gifts valued at $400, including a full season for two to the 2009 Winter/Spring Thurber House “Evenings with Authors” series, two tickets to the ProMusica concert featuring Peter Schickele’s music, Thurber’s Dogs, two tickets to an Opera Columbus performance and much more. Tickets can be purchased for $50 each.

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and birthday dessert at 7 p.m. and entertainment at 8 p.m.

The Westin Columbus is located at 310 S. High St.

Tickets are $125 per person, and corporate packages for tables of 10 are available.  
Order via phone at 614-464-1032 x11 or online at www.thurberhouse.org.