Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Will Shine A Light On Adult Literacy Efforts

The fifth annual Shine a Light on Literacy event will take place Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Governor’s Mansion. Literacy Action of Central Arkansas will host the event and First Lady Ginger Beebe is scheduled to speak. The event will include hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and a silent auction featuring works from local artists and authors. Hannah K. Vogler, event coordinator for Literacy Action, says some unique trips and experiences will also be auctioned. She says improving adult literacy is very important for society. “Literacy is at the basis of almost everything that we do these days and with over 30,000 adults in Central Arkansas not being literate, that affects everything from being able to do jobs to being able to read your kids a book at night,” Vogler said. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s newest project – Taking Action For the Future (TAFF), along with its other adult literacy efforts. TAFF is a free program designed to help adults improve their reading and writing skills. It is offered through Literacy Action and Pulaski Technical College. It uses a combination of classroom instruction and trained, volunteer tutors. Students who successfully complete the program will meet admission requirements for the college. Vogler says adult literacy is vital to strong communities and there are many ways to get involved in improvement efforts. “If you can’t come to Shine a Light on Literacy this Thursday and you still want to make a donation, you can go to literacylittlerock.org and make a donation online. You can also call (501) 372-7323," said Vogler. Tickets for the event are $50 per person and can also be purchased online.