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A VIRTUAL EVENT RECAP

Raise a Glass for Reading!

After a season of showcasing the unique stories of the teachers we serve and emphasizing the importance and impact of continued support for our teachers, schools, and larger communities, we came together to celebrate literacy!

On Thursday, June 10, Children's Literacy Initiative hosted its annual fundraiser, Raise a Glass for Reading. This year's Raise a Glass for Reading was unlike any other CLI event, as we transitioned to a fully virtual event! See some of the very special moments from Raise a Glass for Reading below.

Welcome Everyone


Open Books, Open Doors


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A Fireside Chat w/Vashti Harrison

New York Times best-selling creator, artist, and illustrator, Vashti Harrison, joined us for a fireside chat, sharing insights from her professional journey, her creative inspiration, and her deep passion for black and brown children.

CLI BOOK COLLECTIONS

Identity Affirming Picture Books

Download a copy of CLI's Identity Affirming book list today! These incredible pictures books tell a wide range of stories, showcasing a diverse array of authors and characters. Encourage your readers to ask questions as they learn more about themselves and the people around them.

Click here to download the book list today! >>
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WELCOME & THANK YOUS

Greetings from CLI Leadership

CLI leadership joined our celebration to remind us why we all were gathered together. for the evening’s event. We know that access to quality literacy instruction is transformative, both in the arc of an individual’s life, and the strength that builds within our communities. 

Joel Zarrow

CLI Chief Executive Officer


Naimah Bilal

CLI Chief Development Officer


Sandra LaFleur

CLI Board Chair


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CELEBRATING OUR TEACHERS

Meet our Teacher Honorees

During Raise a Glass for Reading we featured coaches and teachers from across our regions - Broward County, FL; Chicago; New Jersey; and Philadelphia. These four honorees provide us a glimpse into the amazing work many educators are doing across the country.

Click below to learn more about each teacher and see our thank you tribute for all the work they have done this year!

Chicago

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Mrs. Zulehka Robinson

Wendell Smith
Elementary School

Learn More >>

BROWARD

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Ms. Tamika Davis

Morrow Elementary
School

Learn More >>

New jersey

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Ms. Deidre Nata

William B. Cruise Veterans Memorial School No. 11

Learn More >>

philadelphia

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Ms. Nina Negron

Allen M. Stearne
School

Learn More >>
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Musical Guest, the Smooth Show

Raise a Glass for Reading attendees were treated to three amazing performances from jazz quartet, the Smooth Show.

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CELEBRATING TEACHERS ON THE FRONTLINE

A Special Thank You to all Teachers

Our teachers are HEROES! And they deserve to be celebrated! To celebrate our teachers, we closed our Raise a Glass for Reading event with a special video recognizing teachers working on the frontlines!

Our Supporters 

Thank you to all our sponsors and partners who support our mission!

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The Lori & Mark Fife Foundation

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John Croll

Planning and Host Committee

Lauren Alperstein

Naimah Bilal 

Simone Champagnie

John Croll

Evan Goldman

Heather Gray

Justin Hudson

Michele LaCoursiere

Jordanne Owen

Claire Parker

Janet Pinkerton

Priscilla Williams

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