[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”3″ gal_title=”Spring for Literacy Luncheon 2016″]
Nearly 200 supporters attended the 6th annual Spring for Literacy luncheon, which raised $15,000 to support Chatham Literacy’s free adult education programming.
The crowd mingled at a reception before the lunch at Governors Club to enjoy the Windows into our World art exhibit, a series of window sashes with each pane displaying either a photo of an adult Chatham Literacy student or quotes from that student about his or her experiences to become a citizen.
Board Chair Bruce Birch gave a brief presentation about the mission and accomplishments of Chatham Literacy. Anona Serpas, a volunteer tutor, introduced her student, Ariana Gonzales, who described how literacy education has helped her in her endeavor to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.
The featured luncheon speaker was UNC professor and author Daniel Wallace. He has published five novels, including “Big Fish,” which was released as a major motion picture. He both wrote and illustrated “The Cat’s Pajamas,” a children’s book published in 2014.
His presentation included insights about writing, the nature of standup comedy and how it differs from fiction, and the interplay of humor and tragedy that has evolved in his writing. Mr. Wallace fielded questions from the audience on a variety of subjects and signed books in the lobby following the luncheon.
“We are so grateful for the community’s support of Chatham Literacy’s efforts to help adults in our community reach their potential,” said Executive Director Vicki Newell. “Today, more than 14 percent of adults in Chatham County do not have a high school diploma. Through today’s luncheon, Chatham Literacy has raised $15,000 that will help us to provide adult students with skills in the areas of reading, writing, computer use, English as a Second Language, GED and citizenship preparation, and workforce soft skills training.”
Ms. Newell expressed special appreciation to the platinum, silver, and bronze sponsors of the April 6 event: R.B. Fitch, Godsey & Gibb Wealth Management, Baba Antique Wooden Floors, Betty Craven, Brookwood Farms Inc., Carolina Meadows, Chapel Hill Toffee, and Duke Energy.
See all of the photos from this event.
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”1″ gal_title=”Spring for Literacy Luncheon 2016″]