On October 11, The Literacy Project held its annual gala at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, CA. The evening consisted of a gourmet dinner provided by the resort’s catering staff and sponsored by Zotovich Estate Wines, a silent auction of local donations and incredible sports memorabilia, a live auction of amazing getaways, and a spectacular magic performance by the sensational Kevin Viner. Guests were dressed to the nines as they enjoyed a magical night of the Harry Potter themed gala. The Literacy Project put on a fantastic evening of celebrating and promoting the impact of the foundation over the years. The event was a huge success, raising over $98,000 for the program.

This year is notably special, as it marks the 10th anniversary of The Literacy Project’s establishment. Founder Sue Grant and Executive Director Kimberly Vig, honored their board members for the years of service and dedication they have provided the foundation. The real stars of the show, however, were the three students spotlighted for their achievements with The Literacy Project’s reading program. The students had the chance to meet role models who inspire them to pursue greatness. Special thanks go out to these role models: Alfred Gomez, a firefighter from Santa Ana Fire Station 71, Gloria Lee, a client relations partner at Rutan and Tucker, and Jack Syage, CEO of ImmunogenX. Each student was congratulated for their success in improving their literacy skills and given a special gift by their role models.

After the success of the night, The Literacy Project looks forward to many more years of serving Southern California’s underprivileged youth and continuing to encourage students to succeed in and out of school. Throughout its 10 years of operation, the foundation has helped over 9,000 children overcome the insecurity of poor literacy skills and find a passion in reading. The impact made in children’s lives through this program is priceless. The Literacy Project is tackling the impediments that hold children behind in school by targeting the second and third graders who are at risk of falling behind. By providing the extra support and guidance to children that is not always readily accessible to some students, The Literacy Project is helping to create stronger and brighter futures for the next generation. The success of the foundation’s first decade is only the first chapter of the impact The Literacy Project will make during the forthcoming years.