Oprah Winfrey Joins Erroll McDonald, Cynthia McFadden, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Bob Woodward in Celebrating the Transformative Power of Literacy
In an evening where words took center stage, Literacy Partners hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers—raising an impressive $1.18 million in support of its life-changing literacy programs for adults and caregivers across the U.S.
Against the dramatic backdrop of the Hudson River, the black-tie event drew a constellation of New York’s literary, philanthropic, and civic leaders for a celebration that was as emotionally resonant as it was visually striking. Among the most notable guests: Oprah Winfrey, who served as special guest and presenter, lending her voice to the cause with characteristic warmth and gravitas.
“We are proud to celebrate these remarkable honorees who exemplify the values at the heart of our mission — resilience, courage, and a belief in the power of education to unlock opportunity,” said Asaf Bar-Tura, CEO of Literacy Partners.
Celebrating Excellence in Storytelling, Truth, and Knowledge
The evening paid tribute to four iconic figures whose careers have shaped culture, science, and society through the power of language and truth:
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Erroll McDonald – The trailblazing Executive Editor and Vice President at Alfred A. Knopf, whose editorial vision has amplified some of the most groundbreaking voices in modern publishing.
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Cynthia McFadden – A fearless journalist and award-winning correspondent, revered for her integrity and pursuit of untold stories that matter.
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Neil deGrasse Tyson – The nation’s beloved astrophysicist and science communicator, who has turned cosmic complexity into captivating public discourse.
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Bob Woodward – The investigative journalist whose relentless pursuit of accountability has redefined political reporting for generations.
The evening also included a touching tribute to the late novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford, whose legacy of storytelling was fondly remembered by guests and fellow authors.
A Mission to Transform Generations
Founded in 1973, Literacy Partners has evolved from a tutoring nonprofit into a national leader in two-generation literacy initiatives. The organization now operates in over 30 states and Puerto Rico, delivering programs that help adults—particularly parents and caregivers—build the literacy skills essential for economic mobility, personal confidence, and educational continuity for their children.
Literacy Partners focuses its efforts on regions with significant need, including New York City, Philadelphia, Nevada, and San Diego. Through an innovative blend of context-based learning and digital storytelling, the organization empowers families to thrive across generations.
Bob Woodward
Notable Attendees and Cultural Catalysts
The guest list for the evening read like a literary who’s who:
Erroll McDonald, Cynthia McFadden, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bob Woodward, Oprah Winfrey, Asaf Bar-Tura, Ronan Farrow, Lesley Stahl, Carl Bernstein, Jean Shafiroff, Jonathan Karp (CEO, Simon & Schuster), Jon Yaged (CEO, Macmillan), Joni Evans, Elizabeth T. Peabody, and many more.
About Literacy Partners
Literacy Partners advances literacy two generations at a time. Through free classes, community-based programming, and digital media innovation, the organization equips adults and caregivers with the skills they need to build brighter futures for their families. With roots dating back to 1973, Literacy Partners today operates with a commitment to equity, innovation, and impact—transforming lives one story at a time.
Learn more: www.literacypartners.org
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