Raise a Glass for Reading has been CLI’s signature event, starting in 2017, bringing together supporters to raise funds for programs that help teachers and students succeed and renew our commitment to creating equity in education.

In 2021, we began hosting the event virtually, sharing regional impact stories with a national audience. This year CLI expanded the celebration across an entire week coined Spirit Week. During RGR Spirit Week (May 16 – 19), CLI hosted three virtual events: an interactive Read Aloud, a fun Family Game Night, and the main fundraising event featuring a fireside chat.

New York Times best-selling author, writer, and poet Jason Reynolds was this year’s special guest featured in the interactive Read Aloud event, reading excerpts from his latest release, Stuntboy, in the Meantime.

Family Game Night was full of fun and activities for attendees. This event was perfect for children and families, as we played CLI Bingo, held a scavenger hunt, and shared in an arts and crafts activity, Game winners and participants received an autographed copy of Stuntboy, in the Meantime.

The final event focused on the incredible work of teachers and coaches across the country. CLI’s Associate Director of DEI Programming, Erica Plummer, sat down with Jason Reynolds to discuss the importance of affirming identities in children’s literacy, his writing process, and the value of quality teachers.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised close to $60,000 for children’s literacy. That support helps us reach more than 3,000 teachers and 70,000 students across six states. Special thanks to all the attendees and the CLI staff who worked hard to make this event happen.

Inspired by what you've seen and want to support CLI? Contact a member of our Development Team to learn more about how your philanthropic investment can advance our literacy mission.