Event Raises $1.3 Million to Support Life-Changing Literacy Programs
Literacy Partners hosted its 2026 Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, bringing together New York’s literary, philanthropic, civic and business leaders for a festive black-tie evening celebrating the power of literacy to change lives.
The event raised $1.3 million in support of Literacy Partners’ mission and marked the 40th anniversary of the gala, which was first held in 1986 by its founder, Liz Smith.
Hosted by award-winning journalist Lesley Stahl, the annual gala celebrated Literacy Partners’ work to advance literacy two generations at a time. The organization helps adults, parents and caregivers build the skills and confidence they need to create stronger futures for themselves and the children in their care.
A Powerful Student Story
One of the evening’s most moving moments came when a Literacy Partners student shared her personal journey. She spoke about learning English through the organization’s programs and later helping other students improve their own literacy skills.
Thanks to Literacy Partners, she is also pursuing a career in healthcare, while her children are thriving in school. Her story reflected the organization’s belief that literacy can transform not only individual lives, but entire families and communities.
Honoring Leaders in Literacy, Storytelling and Service
This year’s gala honored four distinguished leaders whose work reflects Literacy Partners’ commitment to education, storytelling, service and opportunity.
Patricia Cornwell, the award-winning author, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. A pioneering figure in contemporary crime fiction, Cornwell has built an internationally acclaimed body of work that has captivated readers and helped define the genre.
Sabastian Niles, President and Chief Legal Officer of Salesforce, received the Distinguished Leadership in Literacy Award. He was recognized for leadership that reflects the importance of access, equity and opportunity in building stronger communities.
Barbara Tober received the Lizzie Award, which recognizes her longtime commitment to culture, philanthropy and civic engagement. A patron of the arts, publishing leader and lifelong New Yorker, Tober served as Editor-in-Chief of BRIDES magazine for more than 30 years. The award is named in honor of Liz Smith.
Sherrie Westin, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, received the Champion of Literacy Award. Her work at the helm of the global nonprofit behind “Sesame Street” reflects a deep commitment to children’s learning, early education and the lifelong value of literacy.
A Call for Opportunity Through Literacy
Commenting on the importance of the annual gala, Asaf Bar-Tura, CEO of Literacy Partners, said, “This gathering, which celebrated remarkable literacy champions, demonstrated that when we come together, a better future is possible. Literacy is a gateway to social mobility and economic opportunity. The Literacy Partners community will continue to insist on a nation where everyone has the opportunity to read, work, engage, and thrive.”
His remarks captured the spirit of the evening, which celebrated both the honorees and the broader mission of expanding access to literacy, education and opportunity.
A Gathering of New York Leaders
Notable attendees included Lesley Stahl, Patricia Cornwell, Sabastian Niles, Barbara Tober, Sherrie Westin, Asaf Bar-Tura, David Westin, Jean Shafiroff, Sheila Nevins, Perri Peltz, Courtney E.K. Lewis and Bill Buford.
The evening brought together supporters from across New York’s cultural, business and philanthropic communities, underscoring the shared commitment to helping families build stronger futures through litracy.
About Literacy Partners
Literacy Partners advances literacy two generations at a time by supporting adults, parents and caregivers as they nurture the literacy skills they and the children in their lives need to thrive.
The organization’s research-based programs incorporate child development and parenting support to help parents and caregivers strengthen children’s early reading, social-emotional growth and school readiness.
Designed to equip every parent and caregiver with the tools they need to create success for themselves and a better future for the children in their care, Literacy Partners’ programs help break the cycle of poverty, improve job prospects and close the achievement gap for children before they even begin school.
For more information, please visit www.literacypartners.org.
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