With the Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles’ Literacy in Media Awards honoring individuals who spotlight the importance of reading and writing, it was only fitting that the April 29 award show dinner and cocktail reception forego over-the-top production in favor of focusing on the reality of illiteracy for millions of Angelenos. “We wanted to be teachy without being preachy,” said Patricia Mitchell, president of the organization. Lights dimmed at the start of the dinner as three individuals, including a high school sophomore, a woman who graduated from UCLA at the age of 47, and a single mother took to the stage under spotlights and shared their personal struggles and triumphs with the written word.
Two projection screens flanked the stage at the Beverly Hills Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to showcase some of the work the Literacy Network has done to combat illiteracy—guests saw a public service announcement on acquiring reading skills that quadrupled calls to the organization’s multilingual hotline and a clip on its educational work with the city’s Metro workers. Compelling statistics—such as, 53 percent of working adults in Los Angeles lack the skills necessary to fill out a job application—showed on-screen, and the hosts, actress Bahar Soomekh and KUSC-FM announcer Rich Capparela, reiterated them throughout the night.
Honorees included Spotlight on Literacy Award recipient Susannah Grant for her work on the In Her Shoes screenplay, and Warner Brothers executive vice president and C.F.O. Ed Romano, who received the Spirit of Literacy award. Warner donated gift bag goodies, which included In Her Shoes and Harry Potter DVDs.
Posted 05.03.07
Two projection screens flanked the stage at the Beverly Hills Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to showcase some of the work the Literacy Network has done to combat illiteracy—guests saw a public service announcement on acquiring reading skills that quadrupled calls to the organization’s multilingual hotline and a clip on its educational work with the city’s Metro workers. Compelling statistics—such as, 53 percent of working adults in Los Angeles lack the skills necessary to fill out a job application—showed on-screen, and the hosts, actress Bahar Soomekh and KUSC-FM announcer Rich Capparela, reiterated them throughout the night.
Honorees included Spotlight on Literacy Award recipient Susannah Grant for her work on the In Her Shoes screenplay, and Warner Brothers executive vice president and C.F.O. Ed Romano, who received the Spirit of Literacy award. Warner donated gift bag goodies, which included In Her Shoes and Harry Potter DVDs.
Posted 05.03.07
