Monday night at the Evening of Readings and Gala Dinner in New York City, hosted by journalist Cynthia McFadden, Literacy Partners celebrated its 50th birthday, honored champions of literacy, and raised $1.1 million to support innovative literacy education, advocacy, and programming and create a brighter future for New York City residents and the low-income and immigrant families that Literacy Partners serves. Honors included:
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| HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray with Shelf Awareness's Matt Baldacci | |
The Literacy Leadership Award, given to HarperCollins, a Literacy Partners partner for more than 30 years, for its "200-year legacy of promoting literary excellence" and its support of Literacy Partners' literacy initiatives.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, which went to Michael Korda, the former Simon & Schuster editor and author, for leaving "an indelible mark on the publishing world" and for his "commitment to advancing literacy."
The Spirit of Literacy Award, which honored ABC News anchor and author Deborah Roberts and Today Show anchor and author Al Roker's "dedication to literacy, as award-winning authors and journalists, inspiring countless individuals for decades."
The Lizzie Award, celebrating Elizabeth T. Peabody, board president of Droste Mental Health Services and "a close friend of our patron saint, Liz Smith, and someone who embodies Lizzie's tireless devotion to promoting literacy."
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| Lifetime Achievement honoree Michael Korda | |
In addition, the Champion of Literacy Award honored four "extraordinary literary powerhouses":
- Julia Alvarez, "a pioneering and widely-recognized Dominican-American author whose 50-year career has amplified the voices of Latina authors."
- Viola Davis, "Academy Award-winning actress, producer, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of JVL Media which gives voice to underrepresented authors."
- Ethan Hawke, "four-time Academy Award-nominated artist and one of Hollywood's most multi-faceted stars: actor, screenwriter, director, producer, and bestselling novelist."
- Anthony Tassi, Literacy Partners CEO, "whose visionary leadership over the past 11 years has profoundly impacted the organization's mission."