Third Annual
Literacy Associates Carnival
On April 26th, Literacy Associates, the young professional supporters of Literacy Partners, held their third annual benefit at Carnival at Bowlmor Lanes Times Square to raise funds and awareness to fight adult illiteracy.
The benefit, in conjunction with a three-week, online Charity Buzz auction, raised important funds for Literacy Partners. Among the auction lots drawing fiercely competitive bids were:
- A Stroll through Strawberry Fields in New York City with Yoko Ono
- Lunch with Barbara Walters and Peter Brown
- Manuscript Review over Lunch with Random House Publishing Group President Gina Centrello
- A Les Paul classic antique guitar signed by Slash
- Lunch with The Wall Street Journal Publisher Les Hinton
- Lunch with President and CEO of Simon and Schuster Carolyn Reidy
Susan McLean, Executive Director of Literacy Partners, kicked off the evening by thanking attendees for their generous support.
“Reading is a skill we often take for granted, however, many adults, right here in New York City, are only reading at a fifth grade level. By being here tonight, you are all helping to change those statistics,” said McLean. Literacy Partners student Josh Berkonti, spoke about his experience with Literacy Partners and how his life has been impacted. Additionally, the brief program featured a short video of student and teacher profiles.
The Bowlmor event included carnival games and performers, pub-style fare by David Burke, and a Chinese Auction.
Spirits and beer were contributed to the event by Belvedere Vodka, WhistlePig Premium Rye Whiskey, Bedell Cellars and Anheuser Busch.
Literacy Associates is chaired by Andrea Rosen, who was joined at the event by committee members including Luke Parker Bowles, May Chen, Jennifer Civiletto, Mary Pat Gillin, Erynn Im, Alicia Klat, Diane Naughton, Lisa Sharkey and Alison Steedman.
Literacy Partners chair Mark Jackson and board member Lee Eastman also attended.
