Gift of Literacy Fundraising Luncheon
Literally Speaking: Jul/Aug 2014
Over 260 people attended the
7th annual Gift
of Literacy luncheon held at the Radisson Hotel in Newport Beach on June 6,
2014. This year’s keynote speaker, Lisa See,
attracted the event’s biggest crowd ever raising $20,000 to support literacy in
our community. Ms. See was debuting her newly- released book, China Dolls, and
each guest received a copy thanks to the generous donation of Platinum Sponsor Richard Hearn of the
STARCARE Foundation.
Attendees perused the many
silent auction and raffle items before being seated and welcomed by Newport/
Mesa ProLiteracy (NMPL) Advisory Board President Jason Brady. He introduced Newport Beach Public Library
Services Director Tim Hetherton, who said a few words to the assembled guests
before turning the microphone over to Advisory Board Vice President, Kate
Besch. Ms. Besch presented a plaque of appreciation to Richard Hearn of
STARCARE for his support of adult literacy.
Tutor Katie Northup
addressed the gathering and spoke of her experience in the NMPL program. She
was followed by her learner, Marnalee Lopez, the 2013 recipient of the Rochelle
Hoffman Memorial Award, a recognition given to one outstanding program learner
each year. Ms. Lopez gave a speech that
was full of both emotion and humor and thanked Katie and NMPL for changing her
life and that of her family ... forever.
After lunch was served and
several raffle items awarded, Ms. See approached the stage and spoke to a
roomful of literacy supporters and ardent Lisa See fans. Ms. See kept the room
engaged with her humor and charisma while discussing her new book, research
about its characters and what inspires her stories. At the conclusion of her
talk, Ms. See was presented with a gift of a very special pen which was
embellished with famous quotes, and then made her way out to sign additional
copies of her book.
It was an extremely
successful fundraiser for Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy and the increased community
awareness brings additional support and volunteers to the Literacy Program.
