|
|
 |
 |
|
Literacy Partners
27th Annual “Evening of Readings” Gala |
|
|
.jpg)
From left to right: Michael Connelly, Stacy Schiff, Literacy Partners Chairman Mark Jackson, Gala Chair Jacqueline Weld Drake, Literacy Partners Executive Director Susan McLean, Luke Parker Bowles, Gala Chair Liz Smith, Honoree Tom Hooper, Whoopi Goldberg, Honoree David Seidler, and Jeff Sharp.
|
 |
On May 16, 2011
Literacy Partners Annual "Evening of Readings" Gala met and exceeded fundraising goals. Thanks to the generous support of New York philanthropic and community leaders and headliners from the worlds of television, film, fashion, design and media, Literacy Partners raised substantial funds to help fight adult illiteracy.
Chaired by celebrated New Yorkers Liz Smith, Arnold Scaasi, Parker Ladd and Jacqueline Weld Drake, this year's event featured TV personalities and authors Whoopi Goldberg and Katie Couric, as well as bestselling authors Michael Connelly (author of City of Bones, Chasing the Dime, and The Lincoln Lawyer), and Stacy Schiff (Pulitzer Prize-winning nonfiction writer and author of the current bestseller Cleopatra: A Life). All read aloud from their most recent works.
In addition, the 2011 Face of Literacy Award was presented to The King’s Speech for its inspiring and entertaining portrayal of King George VI and his quest, against seemingly insurmountable odds, to find his voice. Screenwriter David Seidler and Director Tom Hooper were in attendance toreceive the award on behalf of the Academy Award-winning movie.
Literacy Partners, New York City’s only accredited adult literacy organization, honored Barnes & Noble Founder Leonard Riggio and his wife, Louise Riggio, for their financial support of the evening’s event as well as their philanthropy and longtime advocacy on behalf of literacy and the written word.
The King’s Speech Academy Award-winning screenwriter David Seidler was on hand to accept the Literacy Partners Face of Literacy Award. This honor recognizes individuals who have used their talents in a significant way to bring awareness to fact that adults, when challenged to find their personal power and voice in the world – with support and education – can have glorious results.
Literacy Partners students Josh Berkonti and Niama Khanboubi also joined the stars on stage, reading personal essays explaining the tremendous impact that the organization has had on their lives.
The Humanitarian Auction, conducted by Sotheby’s auctioneer Hugh Hildesley, rounded out the evening. Over $100K was initially raised, with a generous matching award from honorees Leonard and Louise Riggio for a total of over $200K in funds from the auction alone.
Other Gala attendees included: Yanna Avis, Barbara Taylor and Robert Bradford, Gina Centrello, Alina Cho, Lee and Vanessa Eastman, Joni Evans, Jane Friedman, Les and Kath Hinton, Mark Jackson, John Josephson, Mary Wells Lawrence, Iris Love, Carolyn Reidy, Jordan Roth and Richie Jackson, Jeff Sharp, Leslie Stahl, Adrienne Vittadini and Carolina Zapf.
|
Honorees Leonard Riggio and Louise Riggio.
|
HKatie Couric, Whoopi Goldberg.
|
Barbara Taylor Bradford and Jacqueline Weld Drake.
|
|
John Josephson and Carolina Zapf.
|
Alina Cho.
|
|
Liz Smith and Katie Couric.
|
| Photos: © 2011 Patrick McMullan |
|
|
|
