2012 Thurber Birthday Gala – a great success!

Every year, we celebrate James Thurber’s birthday with a grand affair at The Westin Columbus hotel. Cocktails, dinner, entertainment, and, of course, birthday cake highlight the annual Thurber Birthday Gala. Last night, we celebrated James’ 118th birthday with Robert Mankoff, cartoon editor of The New Yorker. He gave the audience a look into how the cartoons are selected for the magazine, and how Thurber influenced him as he became a cartoonist himself.

The stage is set for a wonderful evening of food, friends, and laughter.

The attendees sang “Happy Birthday” to James Thurber before enjoying a slice of birthday cake.

Thurber House Executive Director Susanne Jaffe welcomed the crowd.

Robert Mankoff’s quick wit entertained the audience as he shared tales from his past and some of his favorite cartoons.

Thanks to everyone who attended the gala; we hope you had as much fun as we did! Also, thanks to the evening’s sponsors – check them out here.

Slightly Less Than (Mostly) Official Wrap-up: Thurber Birthday Gala

A birthday cake, guests and of course entertainment that had the room laughing the night away, these were the highlights of James Thurber’s 117th birthday celebrated during the annual Gala on December 8 at The Westin Columbus. The featured speaker of the evening was funny man and 2010 Thurber Prize for American Humor, Steve Hely, who wrote the hilarious novel How I Became a Famous Novelist and scripts for shows like The Office and The David Letterman Show. The event was hugely successful and a wonderful evening of reflecting on Thurber’s life and work.

In case you missed it, here are some photos to recap the evening’s events:

Guests mix and mingle before the Gala begins.

Attendees enjoy a fantastic dinner served by The Westin Columbus.

Hely shares a funny Thurber story from his childhood.

Hely and our host, Dr. Wayne P. Lawson, draw the winning raffle tickets.

Hely meets with guests after the event. Thanks for coming to Columbus, Steve!

2011 Thurber Birthday Gala Preview

“I write humor the way a surgeon operates, because it is a livelihood, because I have a great urge to do it, because many interesting challenges are set up, and because I have the hope it may do some good.”

-James Thurber

Steve Hely is the featured guest at this year's Birthday Gala.

Thurber’s writings have certainly withstood the times and continue to inspire laughter and the art of humor writing to this day. On Dec. 8, we’ll be celebrating his 117^th birthday by holding our annual Thurber Birthday Gala in his honor at The Westin Columbus from 6-9 p.m. This year’s celebration will feature the 2010 Thurber Prize for American Humor winner, Steve Hely, writer for shows like The Office and The David Letterman Show, and author of How I Became a Famous Novelist.

This is an evening you won’t want to miss out on! Click here to purchase your tickets by Dec. 5 (hurry, there are only a limited amount available!).

In addition to the dinner, we’re holding a raffle with the chance to win one of five prize packages. And there’s something for everyone! Prizes include a script and Season 6 DVD set of The Office signed by the cast (including Steve Carrell!), tickets to The Ohio State sporting events, an assortment of wine, overnight stay at the Westin Columbus, and more!

Purchase your raffle tickets here for the following prize packages:

For the TV Fan
A DVD of Season 6 of The Office and a script, both signed by the cast, including Steve Carrell, and a signed copy of Steve Hely’s Thurber Prize winning book, How I Became a Famous Novelist.

For the Sports Fan
Two tickets to one OSU Men’s basketball game, two Men’s ice hockey games, and two Women’s basketball games.

For the Romantic
An overnight stay at the elegant Westin Columbus plus dinner for two at the hotel’s High Street Grill and drink vouchers at the incomparable Thurber’s Bar.

For the Entertainment Fan
Two tickets to a ProMusica Chamber Orchestra performance (excluding their gala) plus a copy of each of their two new CDs. Two tickets to a performance by BalletMet. Two tickets to a performance by CATCO. Two tickets to a performance by the Jazz Arts Orchestra. Two tickets to any Thurber House Winter/Spring Evenings with Authors event.

For the Art & Wine Lover
A case of assorted wines and a signed and framed print of Thurber House.

Note, you do not need to be present to win.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting evening of laughter, celebration and fun!