With the generous support of our community sponsors, donors, volunteers, and student ambassadors we were able to raise over $132,000 for Literacy Connects programming at our annual Get Connected event. Volunteer table hosts filled the Tucson Convention Center ballroom with local citizens, dignitaries, and elected officials for a total attendance of 658.
Getting Connected
Attendees to both breakfast and lunch were encouraged to Get Connected and Pass It On by checking in and posting selfies on their social networks with #InspiringLiteracy. As our tagline says, Literacy Connects…to everything. We wanted guests to share their stories of how they’re supporting literacy in our community, and what they’re doing to pass on the invaluable gift of literacy. You can share your story here.
True Stories
Get Connected…Pass it On, a short video by Creatista, shared stories from Reading Seed coaches, a Stories that Soar! student turned actor, an Adult Basic Literacy student, and an English Language Acquisition for Adults (ELAA) tutor. Re-watch the video or see it for the first time, here.
Groundbreaking News
Betty Stauffer, Executive Director of Literacy Connects, revealed the groundbreaking results of the Literacy Connects Reading Seed Kinder Project in which 100% of kindergarten students at Keeling Elementary school had improved test scores (220% average class improvement in whole word reading), became more engaged in classroom activities, and came to self-identify as a reader. A moving speech by Keeling Elementary kindergarten teacher, Betty Kaye Atwell, shared first-hand results of the innovative program. You can learn more about it in the upcoming 11/1/2016 blog.
The Importance Of Literacy
Stories that Soar! took the stage to perform a short production, “School is Important,” by a 2nd grader, from DeGrazia Elementary. The piece encapsulated what Literacy Connects is all about-connecting people of all ages to a world of opportunities through literacy and creative expression. English Language Learning Acquisition for Adults student ambassador, Ana Alshouse, mother of three, new citizen, and GED recipient, followed with her story of struggle and perseverance. Literacy has given her the key to her future career, towards which she is well on her way, as a registered nurse. Reading Seed volunteer and donor, Gail Koshland Wachtel, wrapped up the Get Connected event with her thoughts on why it’s important to invest in Literacy.
We Couldn’t Have Done It Without You
Literacy Connects would like to extend the sincerest gratitude to our sponsors, students, volunteers, donors, and partners for their incredible support. You make the dream of literacy a tangible reality in our community.
Sponsors & Event Partners
The following sponsors helped make the event possible through generous monetary donations and volunteer support: Nextrio, Arizona Business Equipment, Focus HR, Pima Federal Credit Union, Long Realty Cares Foundation, Thrivent Financial, and BeachFleischman. Local event partners added finishing touches and brought programming together in a smooth and engaging way: Arizona Flowers, Creatista, Literacy Connects Student Ambassadors, Literacy Connects Volunteers, Pima Federal Credit Union Volunteers, Spectrum Printing, Tucson Convention Center, and Ynot Entertainment.
See you all next year!
