Dear Friend,

Reading is the key to life. This was famously said by Liz Smith, the 'patron saint' of Literacy Partners. Reading and literacy empower people to overcome obstacles and accomplish the 'impossible'. Students enter our classes and leave with improved English, high school diplomas, a love of reading, and confidence. They not only have dreams of a brighter  tomorrow, but they have the tools to get there.

Last week's Gala which feted Liz Smith and others, was a celebration of our students and all we have achieved, together. Your generosity that night helped us raise close to  $1 million in support of adult and family literacy. We thank you for supporting Literacy Partners, but, more importantly, for helping create opportunity and progress for our fellow New Yorkers!

If you were unable to attend the Gala, but would still like to connect, join us at our next After Hours event on April 19. We'd love to see you and talk about the latest goings on at Literacy Partners.

And, as always, to learn more about ways to get involved,   please  email  me  - I would love to hear from you. 

Sincerely,

Anthony Tassi,  CEO

P.S. - We appreciate the valuable input of those who filled out our survey last month. Your feedback helps us refine our communications so that you hear more about what you want to hear about! Thank you!
Literacy Partners Gala: An Extraordinary Evening!

Friends of Literacy Partners
Thank you to everyone who joined us last week at our annual Evening of Readings and Gala Dinner Dance! 

We were joined by Junot Díaz and Sarah Paulson for readings, with a tribute to Liz Smith, Arnold Scaasi, and Parker Ladd by Holland Taylor and Cynthia McFadden. The crowd helped us honor Randy Falco and Joni Evans, and listened to the moving story of our  student speaker, Moravet. See more photos from our evening here and read about the Gala in the press!

If you were unable to attend and would like to help us surpass our   goal, there is still time to donate.
Reading Across America
In honor of National Reading Month, we celebrated Read Across America Day on March 2nd. We provided brand new children's books to our students in Corona, including copies of The Snowy Day, thanks to the generosity of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation and Savona Bailey-McClain from State of the Arts NYC. Read Across America Day is celebrated on Dr. Seuss' birthday, and is an awareness-raising campaign to celebrate the power of reading to change lives.
Bike for Books on May 6!
Standard registration for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour is closed, but you can still participate as one of our Charity Riders! As a member of Team Literacy Partners, you are guaranteed entry to the bike tour via a commitment to raise necessary support  for LP.

The registration deadline is in early April.  To become a charity rider or to learn more, apply below or email [email protected].  We'd love to have you join us!
Save the Date!
We want to thank you for your support of adult literacy. Join us on Thursday,  April 19  from 6 to 8 pm  for another fun After Hours event with Literacy Partners! Bring a friend for an evening of networking and lively discussions. The first drink is on us! 
BECOME A MONTHLY SUPPORTER

Described by her teacher as a "fearless beginner student and a natural leader," Moravet is in her second semester at Literacy Partners. She has taken advantage of our moments of connection project to emphasize parent-child and sibling-sibling connection, enjoying the quality time with her three children. Moravet didn't come from a family of readers back in Mexico, but through our Books of Their Own program, has developed a love for reading. Recently, she went to a book signing by 
Univision News anchor, Jorge Ramos, excited to read his new book and meet one of her heroes.  "I can't believe I spent $17 on a book," Moravet proudly said.

P lease consider becoming a monthly supporter to help students like Moravet build on their success. You can do so by clicking the   donate button   and then checking the  Recurring Monthly  box on the Donate page. Thank you! 
STAY CONNECTED
Like us on Facebook     Follow us on Twitter     View our profile on LinkedIn     View on Instagram