According to the Lafayette Literacy Council, 20-25 percent of adults in the county are unable to read well enough to simply fill out a job application. The council fights to raise awareness of this issue and combat it.
“Literacy is essential to the social, economic and cultural quality of life of everyone who lives in Lafayette County,” Executive Director Sarah McLellan said.
This Saturday, the council will host “Reads, Beats and Eats,” an event to raise funds in support of literacy education.
Author John T. Edge will be the Master of Ceremonies overseeing the live auction along with the Wine Dash. Musicians Damein Wash and Ricky Burkhead will be the live entertainment, and local restaurant Tallahatchie Gourmet will provide catering.
“We have received $20,000 in sponsorships and have collected silent and live auction items, which will be auctioned off at the event,” McLellan said.
Some of the prizes from the live auction will include trips to the Dominican Republic and Napa County, California.
All funds that are raised will be donated to Lafayette County for the LCLC’s programs – Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Adult Basic Literacy (ABL) education.
The event will take place at the Barksdale Isom House from 7-10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $50 at Square Books, Jr. and Belles & Beaus, or from any LCLC board member.
By Talbert Toole, associate editor of HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at talbert.toole@hottytoddy.com.
