In recognition of Read Across America Day, please join The Literacy Cooperative and Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine, on the evening of April 20, 2023, at our annual Read Across America Celebration.  

What: Read Across America Celebration, guests will enjoy food and drink
When: April 20, 2023, cocktail hour starts at 5:30 PM
Where: Tri-C Jerry Sue Thornton Center – 2500 E 22nd St, Cleveland, OH 44115. 

Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine will be this year’s Read Across America Celebration keynote speaker! Mrs. DeWine is a champion for the early literacy initiative, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Ohio. First Lady DeWine learned about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library years ago through her grandchildren, who received books in Greene County. She saw the impact these books were having on her own family and wished for every child across Ohio to have the same opportunity. As the keynote, the First Lady will share her story about why literacy is so important to her and our community. 

Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine

Fran DeWine is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is honored to have the role of First Lady of Ohio to her list of titles. As First Lady, Fran uses her platform to advocate for the health and well-being of children in Ohio by partnering with initiatives and organizations that share her passion. She is dedicated to promoting early childhood literacy and ensuring that new mothers and families have adequate support systems.

At the event, as the second Kurt Karakul Literacy Award recipient, Reach Out and Read Greater Cleveland, will be recognized and be presented the $20,000 award. This impactful non-profit organization embodies Kurt Karakul’s passion for literacy and his conviction to make a difference in others’ lives. The award was established by Third Federal Foundation and The Literacy Cooperative to recognize and support the next generation of “Kurts” in our community. 

The Read Across America Celebration has helped, raise awareness around the importance of early interventions to maximize brain development in children, and promote a 2Gen “Whole Family” approach.  

Thank You to this year’s sponsors