Leaders for Literacy Luncheon

When and where: Thursday afternoon at the Fairmont Pittsburgh hotel, Downtown.

Quotable Moments: “Working with the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council gave me the space to speak,” said student speaker Hindreen Alkhafaji. “I came from Iraq during difficult times and I want to be a psychiatrist so that I can work with women and children who have been victims of ISIS. Freedom and education go hand in hand and the GPLC has helped me to accelerate my goals.”

Don Block, executive director of the literacy council, echoed that sentiment: “It’s been a lifelong mission of mine to work with people who didn’t have educational opportunities through no fault of their own, whether it be because of war like in Hindreen’s case, or other cases in which people had to leave school. The GPLC gives me great pleasure in knowing we are helping others toward a brighter future.”

Party with a purpose: The luncheon brought more than 300 guests together who value the importance of literacy and how it shapes better lives. Some found mentors and lifelong friends. “I’m working on a Harry-Potter style book. I didn’t even know I wanted to be an author, but she gave me the encouragement,” said Robert Herring. Added his mentor Sr. Mary Leah Krauth, “I couldn’t put his novel down! He has reminded me that we have much to learn from each other, and that life is full of gifts.” And what better gift, than the gift of reading?

#SEEN: In addition to keynote speaker Christopher Howard, president of Robert Morris University, there were board president Gary Singery, honorary chair Rick Lerach, Roslynne Wilson, Kristin Spiker, Derick Stalker, Steve Sokoloski, Jennifer Salvador, Vladimir St. Surin, Ken Rice, Evan Frazier and Paul Spradley.