Literacy Partners “Food for Thought” Luncheon Series Debuts with Jon Meacham and Lesley Stahl, Raising Awareness of Adult Illiteracy in New York City
On November 12, Literacy Partners, New York’s only accredited adult literacy program, hosted the first of three “Food for Thought” luncheon events. Thanks to the generous support of New York benefactors, the event was a success.
Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Lesley Stahl kicked off the luncheon by sharing the astounding statistic that 3.7 million New York State residents cannot read or write above the 5th grade level.
“I can’t think of another organization I’m prouder to be associated with than this one. It just makes you feel good,” explained Stahl.
She then engaged the audience in a game of “Name that Book,” quizzing them on the first and last lines from some of her favorite novels, including Pride and Prejudice and The Great Gatsby, before introducing the featured speaker.
Jon Meacham, Editor of Newsweek and author of Franklin and Winston and American Gospel, discussed his Pulitzer Prize-Winning best-seller, American Lion. Meacham regaled the audience with funny and fascinating anecdotes about America’s seventh President, Andrew Jackson.
Peter Brown, Chairman of Literacy Partners, offered the luncheon’s opening remarks and was joined at the event by Literacy Partners Board Members Parker Ladd, Katharine Raymond, Jacqueline Weld Drake, Joannie Danielides, John Josephson, Mark Jackson and Edwidge Thomas. Yanna Avis, Mercedes Bass, Les Hinton and Peggy Siegal were also in attendance.
Upcoming “Food for Thought” luncheons include:
WHEN: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, beginning at Noon
Jeannette Walls, Author of the international sensation and New York Times best-seller The Glass Castle and her latest book Half Broke Horses, with a special introduction by celebrated journalist, author and wowOwow.com columnist Liz Smith
Tuesday, March 23, 2010, beginning at Noon
Elizabeth Strout, Pulitzer Prize-Winning author of Olive Kitteridge, Abide with Me and Amy and Isabelle, with a special introduction by a surprise guest
WHERE: The Ballroom
122 East 66th Street
New York, NY
WHY: To help Literacy Partners continue its 35-year tradition of providing high-quality, free,
community-based adult and family literacy programs to New York City residents.
About Literacy Partners: For over 35 years, 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 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. For more information, visit www.literacypartners.org.
