LVGH to host annual Gala in Farmington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Katie Reaves, Director of Development and Communications

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford

30 Arbor Street, Hartford, CT 06106

(860) 233-3853 / katie.reaves@lvgh.org

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford to Host 7th Annual Gala

Event Planned for April 2nd in Farmington to Benefit Adult Literacy Programs

Hartford, Conn. – Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford (LVGH) will hold its sixth annual Read. Learn. Grow. Gala on April 2nd at Farmington Gardens. All proceeds raised will benefit LVGH’s adult literacy programs, which last year helped over 850 Greater Hartford residents, learn to read, write, and speak English.

“Last year’s Gala raised nearly fifty thousand dollars,” said Robert J. Fiondella, Chair of the LVGH Board of Directors. “We’re hoping to break last year’s record, and we’re asking the Greater Hartford community to come out and support us to make that happen.” The event is expected to draw 200 attendees, and will feature a four-course dinner, open bar, live music from The Savage Brothers, and a silent auction boasting a wide range of items including, concert tickets, dining and entertainment packages, artwork, and more. NBC Connecticut’s Todd Piro and Fox61’s Amanda Raus will serve as this year’s master of ceremonies.

“In addition to being a fundraiser, the Gala is also a time to celebrate our successes, thank those who helped us get us there, and think about all the possibilities for the future,” said Carol DeVido Hauss, the organization’s Executive Director. “We need all of us – students, volunteers, funders, supporters, and staff – to create a fully literate greater Hartford. Each year, the Gala celebrates our moving a step closer to that goal.”

An estimated forty percent of adults in Greater Hartford lack basic English literacy skills. For adults struggling with literacy, everyday tasks such as helping a child with homework, deciphering a bus schedule, or completing a job application can be almost impossible.

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford’s mission is to help adults learn to read, write, and speak English, and to build a stronger, more resilient Greater Hartford by creating a community of fully literate adults. In 2015, over 200 trained volunteer tutors provided small-group literacy instruction to over 850 adults from 20 towns across the Greater Hartford region. Most students come to improve their basic reading and writing or English language skills, but can also take classes in GED preparation, math, computer literacy, U.S. Citizenship, and more.

Literacy Volunteers’ 7th Annual Gala will be held at Farmington Gardens, 999 Farmington Ave. (Rt4) in Farmington, on April 2nd at 6:30pm. Tickets are $135 per individual, with a discounted rate of $85 for young professionals, and include hors d'oeuvres, a four-course dinner, and open bar. Registration is requested by Friday, March 25th. Tickets and more information are available at www.lvgh.org/donate/gala, or by calling 860-233-3853.

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford (LVGH) works to improve the ability of adults in Greater Hartford to read, write and speak English. Since 1972, LVGH has been the leading non-profit provider of adult literacy services in the Greater Hartford region. LVGH is a United Way partner agency and an affiliate of ProLiteracy America.

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