Our 10-Year Anniversary Gala “The Magic of Reading” Recap

Our 10-Year Anniversary Gala was a special night to remember for The Literacy Project. The Gala consisted of Harry Potter decor, a live and silent auction, shared experiences from the Role Models, and a special performance by Kevin Viner, the International Mentalist Sensation. With the 10th year anniversary of teaching students, we can’t help but be grateful for helping over 9,000 children in need, and raising around $98,000 in support of our mission! 

Penny Fox shared the celebration was based on J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, “ to recognize the series of books that brought a new kind of magic to children’s literature in a wizarding world where dreams come alive. Rowling believes young people enjoy reading about peers who have real control over their destiny and imbued the books with life lessons such as persistence, the power of positive thinking, patience, overcoming one’s past and standing up for others.”  We couldn’t agree more with her. 

The Literacy Project is proud to have changed the lives of so many children with the gift of literacy and increased self-confidence in reading across school districts throughout California and Utah. The Gala’s live and silent auction consisted of grand pieces including Julie Miles Jewelry, “Beyond Forever” Limited Edition Serigraph by Mark Kostabi, an adorable Yorkie puppy, and numerous vacation packages. 

Later in the night, the Gala included special recognition to our amazing advocates such as:

  • Kimberly Vig, Executive Director
  • Sue Grant, Founder, and Board Chair
  • Co-Chairs Penny Fox & Sinan Kanatsiz and The Literacy Project Board of Directors
  • Monette and Steve Zotovich
  • 2019 Literacy Project ambassadors with special recognition from Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez and special guest, AT&T sponsor to Sue Grant.

 

We are so grateful for everyone who contributed, donated, and attended our 10 year anniversary gala and continue to support The Literacy Project’s mission. From our photographers, florists and chocolate lady Gilda E. Crowne-Brown. With drinks by Zotovich Estate wines, fine-dining catered by Balboa Bay Resort, and a live performance by Kevin Viner, we felt warmth in our hearts from start to finish. Kevin Viner had us on the edge of our seats with magic tricks such as audience members guessing a series of numbers, and other tricky math sequences.

A very special thank you to our founders, BOD, ambassadors, Penny Fox, and Kevin Viner for making our Gala magical to mirror our students’ achievements. With special guest, Ret. California Secretary of Education Dave Long in attendance, we are more than happy with the turn out to show all California Education officials our triumph in children’s literacy. We ended the night to many more years, and to many more students. 

Click here to view our full event gallery!

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