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Honoree, Liz Smith, Special surprise guest
appearance by Bette Midler, Honorees, Arnold Scaasi and Parker
Ladd and
Chairman , Cathleen Black. Photo by: Greg Partanio |
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New York - May 7, 2007. Literacy Partners, a volunteer-based,
not-for-profit organization that teaches adult and family
literacy in New York City, honored the two decade long
stewardship of Gala-Co- Chairs Liz Smith, Arnold Scaasi, and
Parker Ladd at its annual Evening of
Readings at the New York State Theater in Lincoln
Center.
“It is a privilege to honor three individuals whose commitment
to adult literacy has changed the lives of thousands of New
Yorkers and their families over the past two decades, said
Peter Brown, Chairman of the Literacy Partners Board. “Liz
Smit, Arnold Scaasi, and Parker Ladd have been constant,
energetic, and passionate in their support of Literacy
Partners. We are deeply grateful to them.” As Co-Chairs of the
May Gala An Evening of Readings over the course of the past
twenty years, the trio has raised more than $20 million to
support Literacy Partners. Through their efforts, more than
25,000 adults in New York City have learned to read. To mark
the occasion, Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared May 7, 2007
Literacy Partners Day in New York City.
In their annual gala message, Ms. Smith and Mssrs. Scaasi and
Ladd wrote, “Everything in life comes full circle. Just as our
annual Evening of Readings is a time to celebrate the magic of
the written word, for us, it is a time to look back on our
long association with Literacy Partners with considerable
pride and satisfaction. That you honor us tonight is humbling.
Our work together has truly been a labor of love.”
The star-studded event raised more than $1.2 million to
support Literacy Partners free classes. Highlighting the
evening, Academy Award winning actress Vanessa Red grave,
stage and screen actor Frank Lang Ella, ABC news anchor Bob
Woodruff and his wife Lee, and author of the internationally
acclaimed “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” series Alexander
McCall Smith, offered dramatic readings of selected literary
works.
More than 3.7 million New York City adults are unable to read
beyond fifth grade level. Literacy Partners has helped
thousands of New Yorkers learn the basic reading, writing and
math skills needed to succeed in day-to-day living. Through
the successful collaborations with major corporations,
community partners and benefactors, Literacy Partners offers
small, welcoming classes taught by enthusiastic, highly
trained volunteer tutors. Literacy
Partners is the only nationally accredited adult literacy
program serving New York City. |