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Guests
Unlock the World of Literacy at Annual Storybook Gala
September
12, 2009 - Spread
the Word Nevada held its 7th Annual Storybook
Gala on September 12 at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino.
Honored
at the event were Irene and Duncan Lee (below), selected for
their unwavering commitment to education.
This
year’s gala raised $140,000, funds used to benefit at-risk
children and their families in Southern Nevada.
Above,
costumed students talk up themed packages featured in a live
auction.
  
Since
2001, Spread
the Word Nevada has enriched hundreds of
thousands of children’s lives with its programs. Those
programs include the distribution of keep-at-home books to
elementary school children, family literacy activities and
a reading mentor program.
Above
are Spread
the Word Nevada Founder Laurie Hartig, Honorees
Irene and Duncan Lee and Spread
the Word Nevada Chairman of the Board Susan
Miller.
Close
to 300 people attended the gala event, with a theme of "unlocking
the world of literacy." Cocktails were served during
a VIP Reception, with wine and spirits donated by Southern
Wine and Spirits. The reception featured a "Lion Dance"
performed by the Lohan School of Shaolin, in honor of Irene
and Duncan Lee's cultural heritage.
Above,
Board Chairman Susan Miller works the room.
During
the reception, close to 400 children's books were purchased
as a fundraiser at a "Library of Dreams" book display.
Within randomly chosen books were prizes donated by individuals
and companies in the Las Vegas area.
Below,
volunteers ensure the evening's festivities go off without
a hitch.
Pictured
below, emcees for the evening were KLAS Channel 8 Eyewitness
News anchors Denise Valdez, recently named "Best Anchor
in the Pacific Southwest Region," and Sherry Swensk,
both children's literacy advocates.
 
Entertainment
for the evening included a performance by singer Casey Lee
Moore (below left) and friends.
 
Above,
Nila Wiley, an educator at Elbert Edwards Elementary School,
speaks about her experiences with at-risk kids and seeing
the Kids to Kids program
in action. Download her touching remarks by clicking
here (.pdf format).
Above,
Lisa Habighorst and Laurie Hartig introduce honorees Irene
and Duncan Lee (pictured below).
After dinner, nine live auction packages were made available
by auctioneer Christian Kolberg (above).
Special
guests at the gala included Senator Shirley Breeden, Clark
County Commissioner Chris Guinchigliani and Judge Mark Steven.
Others in attendance included Constanza and Fred Ashford,
Kenny and Nami Lee, Jenna and Michael Morton, Cynthia and
Larry Mosley, Laurel Andrew and Victor Onufrieff, Maureen
and Phillip Peckman and Camille Ruvo.
A
heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who made the gala such
a smashing success!
Photos
by Scott Roeben.
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