Chatham Literacy held its Spring for Literacy fundraising event on Thursday, April 19, at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center. Nearly 200 patrons and invited guests participated. Among those in attendance were State Senator Valerie Foushee, State House Representative Robert Reives, County Commissioners Diana Hales, Jim Crawford, and Karen Howard, Siler City Town Commissioner Mike Constantino, and Sheriff Mike Roberson.
Prior to lunch, participants were invited to be interviewed by Arron Hall. The short interviews were streamed live on Taj Talk, an innovative online media platform for covering places, people, and events relevant to the hyperlocal communities of Chatham County. Interviewees were asked to talk about literacy and its importance to them and to their community.
Chatham Literacy adult learner, Maria Piedad Basilio, and her tutor, Keith Weisbrodt shared their experience in learning with those in attendance. “I am grateful to you because there are good people who want to help others. I can now make an appointment, so I feel more secure,” stated Ms. Basilio.
The keynote speaker and highlight of the luncheon was Mr. Clyde Edgerton, a well-known and respected author. Mr. Edgerton entertained his audience with a few songs accompanied by his mandolin, read portions of the first chapter of his ‘novel-in-progress’, and discussed how he takes real life experiences and stories and uses them in his writings. Long-time friend D.G. Martin, host of PBS’s NC Bookwatch, introduced Mr. Edgerton.
This was the first time Chatham Literacy held its spring for Literacy Luncheon at the new Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center. “We were thrilled with how well the venue worked and with the positive feedback from attendees. Chatham Literacy has established strong presence and support in Chatham County. This support is evident by the initial response at the event to our announcement of a new sustaining donor program. With continued support from our donors, we look forward to increasing literacy throughout Chatham County,” said Doug Emmons, Board Chair for Chatham Literacy.
“I was delighted to enjoy the food and fellowship today at the beautifully planned literacy luncheon! I enjoyed visiting with friends, old and new. I am blessed to be part of such a special, meaningful organization,” shared Anne Dobson, luncheon attendee and Chatham Literacy tutor.
Chatham Literacy provides free tutoring to adults in reading, writing, English for Speakers of Other Languages and workforce soft skills, as well as citizenship and GED preparation. The spring for Literacy Luncheon is an important annual fund and awareness raising event for Chatham Literacy. All proceeds from the luncheon directly fund Chatham Literacy’s services. For more information on Chatham Literacy, to volunteer, and or participate, please use the menu selections at the top of this page.
We asked attendees to write down what literacy means to them. Below are some of the responses.
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We tried to include everyone who attended. Our apologies if we missed you.
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Thank you to TaJ Talk for live-streaming the event. Also thanks to Jody Bruchon of Tritech Computer Solutions and Gazing Cat Productions, who captured the event via pictures and video.
A very special thanks to our sponsors listed below. Without your generous support, this event would not have been possible.
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
