Spread the Word Nevada's 7th Annual Storybook Gala Raised $140,000 for Children's Literacy Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) September 16, 2009 -- Las Vegas, Nevada – Spread the Word Nevada, a Las Vegas children’s literacy nonprofit, held its 7th Annual Storybook Gala on September 12 at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino.

This year’s gala raised $140,000, funds used to benefit at-risk children and their families in Southern Nevada. Honored at the event were Irene and Duncan Lee, selected for their unwavering commitment to education.

Since 2001, Spread the Word Nevada has enriched hundreds of thousands of children’s lives with its programs. Those programs include the distribution of keep-at-home books to elementary school children, family literacy activities and a reading mentor program.

Spread the Word Nevada has distributed more than 1.3 million books to more than 150,000 children with the generous support of corporate and private sponsors.

Close to 300 people attended the gala event, with a theme of “unlocking the world of literacy.” Cocktails were served during a VIP Reception, with wine and spirits donated by Southern Wine and Spirits. The reception featured a “Lion Dance” performed by the Lohan School of Shaolin, in honor of Irene and Duncan Lee’s cultural heritage.

Also during the reception, close to 400 children’s books were purchased as a fundraiser at a “Library of Dreams” book display. Within randomly chosen books were prizes donated by individuals and companies in the Las Vegas area.

Emcees for the evening were KLAS Channel 8 Eyewitness News anchors Denise Valdez, recently named “Best Anchor in the Pacific Southwest Region,” and Sherry Swensk, both children’s literacy advocates. Entertainment for the evening included a performance by singer Casey Lee Moore. After dinner, nine live auction packages were made available by auctioneer Christian Kolberg.

Special guests at the gala included Senator Shirley Breeden, Clark County Commissioner Chris Guinchigliani and Judge Mark Stevens. Others in attendance included Constanza and Fred Ashford, Kenny and Nami Lee, Jenna and Michael Morton, Cynthia and Larry Mosley, Laurel and Victor Onufrieff, Maureen and Phillip Peckman and Camille Ruvo.

About Spread the Word Nevada, Inc: Kids to Kids

Spread the Word Nevada, Inc., is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation, serving at-risk children by providing various literary services. Kids to Kids, a flagship program of Spread the Word Nevada, helps children create home libraries to read and share with family members. While developing a love of reading, these libraries promote future academic achievement and higher self-esteem, which impact lifelong success. Since 2001, Spread the Word Nevada has distributed more than 1.3 million gently-used and new books to more than 150,000 of Nevada’s youth. Contact (702) 564-7809 or visit SpreadtheWordNevada.org to learn more about program details.

books     Children s Literacy     education     Kids to Kids     nonprofit     Spread the Word Nevada