If you, like me, are still reeling from the death of Dolly Parton, know that you aren’t alone. All around the globe, people are paying tribute to one of the most wonderful human beings to ever walk this earth in some of the most wonderful ways.
Here’s your chance to do the same.
One of the common threads of Dolly’s philanthropy is literacy, inspired by her father who couldn’t read. Dolly put her heart and money to good work: Since it began in 1995, her Imagination Library has given away more than 330 MILLION books to children around the world to promote a love of reading.
If you’d like to pay tribute to Dolly by supporting her favorite cause right here in Livingston County, here’s your chance: the Livingston County Literacy Coalition is holding its second-annual Trivia for Literacy fundraiser. The money raised at the event will help provide free literacy services to adults who live or work here.
According to the Literacy Coalition, nearly 8% of adults in Livingston County struggle with basic literacy. The LCLC works with adult learners to build the skills and confidence they need to achieve greater independence and reach their personal and professional goals.
Literacy is one of those win-wins, with ripple effects that reach far beyond the individual: Stronger skills help adults find better jobs; it helps them support their kids in school; and it makes for a fuller and more productive life.
Services of the Literacy Coalition include personalized one-on-one tutoring in basic education and in English as a Second Language, ESL conversation groups, digital literacy programming for seniors, and workplace literacy initiatives. The services are free, confidential, and tailored for each client.
All that work is possible because of dedicated, trained volunteers who provide individualized support, as well as community partners who help provide accessible learning opportunities.
There truly is no better way to pay tribute to Dolly Parton than by helping people right here in Livingston County improve their literacy skills.
The Trivia for Literacy event is set for 4:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Faulkwood Golf Club, 300 S. Hughes Road in Howell. And I’m thinking there really should be a question or two about Dolly Parton in the competition,
Tickets are $30 a person, and include chef-inspired food, a cash bar, and plenty of friendly competition. (There’s also an early-bird price of $25 a ticket if you purchase before Sept. 10.) You can get your tickets here.
And if you’re not into trivia, or if you have another commitment on Oct. 10, you can make a donation in memory of Dolly Parton.
You can check out the Imagination Library website by clicking here.
