Love Letters for Literacy

“Teaching someone to read doesn’t simply change their life,” shared CBS Correspondent and 60 Minutes contributor Byron Pitts at the annual Love Letters for Literacy Gala held this year at the National Museum for Women in the Arts.  ”It saves their life, and helps their family.”

Pitts, illiterate until the age of 12 and struggling with a persistent stutter, not only learned to read, but went on to have an illustrious career in broadcast journalism.  The audience – including many students of the Washington Literacy Center (formerly the Washington Literacy Council) – were inspired as he shared his personal story of disability and triumph.

The evening’s dinner, donations and auctions – particularly a  live auction of custom pieces from Shah & Shah Jewelers – assisted in the fundraising efforts of the WLC, which works to help people like Pitts, especially enhancing adult reading and comprehension.

Congressmen Hinojosa (D-TX) and Roe (R-TN) were lauded with the Champions for Literacy Award and John Arundel, Rhonda Steward (Student Reader) and David Harvey shared their favorite readings/”love letters.”

**A new name wasn’t the only change the Center announced Wednesday night.  The organization will be moving to a new permanent location at the Thurgood Marshall Building in Shaw, with custom built classrooms.  A new logo, curriculum focus, and web site round out the changes.

Spotted & Snapped: See more pictures from the Gala event here.

Categories : Around Town, Charitable Involvement, Parties/Events, People, Press

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kstreetkate

Kate Michael is a "Concierge of Capitol Cool" - the President and Founder of K Street Kate, an online content company devoted to lifestyle news about the District of Columbia. Hip, happening and hyperlocal, the company was formed while Kate served as Miss District of Columbia 2006 and competed in Miss America in 2007. In her cocktail dress and with her FlipCam, Kate provides constant content to help you live la vida local.