Tickets on Sale for Washtenaw Literacy's "World in a Basket" Gala

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tickets are now on sale for Washtenaw Literacy's popular annual fundraiser "World in a Basket."  The event is a key source of funding for the group's effective work in teaching illiterate adults to read and write.  The gala evening of live and silent auctions plus strolling dinner raises 20% of the group's annual budget. Honorary chairs for this year's event – to be held October 5 at the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College – are AutoHarvest's David Cole and his wife Carol, passionate advocates for training for very low skilled workers.

"David and Carol are key members of the movement to boost Michigan's economy with inventive new methods of business collaboration and innovation," said Amy Goodman, executive director of Washtenaw Literacy. "But, success rests on ensuring Michigan's workforce has the skills needed to fill the jobs that come with a new economy. Literacy is an absolute cornerstone."

In Washtenaw County, statistics point to an illiteracy rate of 12%, about 27,000 citizens. This population is the most at-risk for being left behind as Michigan's economy transforms and requires greater skills from its workers.  Washtenaw Literacy, one of Southeastern Michigan's largest and most established literacy agencies, is committed to filling the county's educational gaps with programs that will enable all the county's residents to participate in and contribute to the local economy.

Washtenaw Literacy's flagship program matches adult learners with trained volunteers who provide individual and group tutoring in reading and writing skills.  Its one-on-one tutoring holds an impressive success rate:  more than 90% of the adults in these programs reach at least one of their goals.  The group attributes its success to a "designer tutor" approach, which allows volunteer tutors to plan lessons according to the learner's strengths, needs and goals.  In turn, learners are motivated because they are setting, and meeting, their own standards for success.

Not only are the programs successful, they're cost effective – the proceeds from the sale of just eight tickets supports one-on-one tutoring for a learner for an entire year.  According to the National Center for Family Literacy, that year translates into a 25% increase in employment potential for the learner.  For the community, it means a stronger work force and reduced rates of crime and poverty.  More important it interrupts a frightening cycle of illiteracy:  studies show 50% of the children of parents who can't read will grow up to be illiterate adults.  

"Attending World in a Basket is a fun way to make a difference for neighbors who need you," said Goodman. "The food and wine are wonderful and the auctions are fun and exciting. Please join us."

World in a Basket is on October 5, at 5:00, in Washtenaw Community College's Morris Lawrence Building.  The evening includes drinks, strolling supper, and auctions of hundreds of gift baskets. Tickets are $75 if purchased by September 21 – a $10 discount off the regular $85 price.  All tickets include beer, wine and strolling supper.  Proceeds go directly to Washtenaw Literacy.  For ticket information, call (734) 879-1320 or email Washtenaw Literacy at [email protected].

About Washtenaw Literacy

Washtenaw Literacy (www.washtenawliteracy.org) is a volunteer-based organization providing free literacy instruction customized to the needs of adults throughout Washtenaw County. Volunteers provide individual and group tutoring in reading and writing skills and in English as a second language so adults can improve their personal, family, and community lives.

SOURCE Washtenaw Literacy