Gift of Literacy: A Great Success
Literally Speaking: May/June 2013 by Francine Jacome
Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy Newsletter
On April 19, 2013, supporters of Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy gathered
at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona del Mar to hear guest speaker, T.
Jefferson Parker, local boy and author of over 19 novels, including the Edgar
Award winning Silent Joe and California Girl.
The banquet room was full of attendees who perused the large
selection of raffle and silent auction items and waited patiently for Mr.
Parker to sign copies of his latest book The Famous And the Dead.
At noon, guests were seated to hear introductions from
Advisory Board President Jason Brady, followed by a few words from Mayor Keith
Curry. Karen Mascitelli, Chairperson of the 2013 Luncheon, recognized her committee for all of
their hard work in putting together the annual event. Literacy Coordinator Cherall Weiss
then introduced literacy tutor JoAnn Krupp, who spoke of her experience working
with her learner, Yoshiko Harima. Yoshiko then took to the podium and expressed
her gratitude toward the literacy program and her tutor for helping her to
become an advocate for her children, and, in particular, her young son with
special needs.
After Yoshiko’s emotional speech, lunch was served and several
of the raffle baskets where drawn. Once dessert was finished, Mr. Parker spoke to
the crowd and gave an engaging and humorous account of his experiences working
at the Newport Ensign and Daily Pilot and his challenges in becoming a published
author. His talk was followed by an open Q & A session from the audience,
and then Mr. Brady presented him with a gift from the program. A final raffle
draw was held for the remaining baskets, and the silent auction winners were announced.
There was nothing but positive comments and compliments from
those in attendance, and Mr. Parker proved to be a popular and generous guest.
Thank you to everyone who attended and lent their support to
Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy.
