Literacy Project gala Saturday spells help for struggling readers

The past five years, The Literacy Project has used its gala to raise money to help more than 3,700 struggling readers throughout Orange County, Long Beach and the Coachella Valley.

The Newport Beach-based organization’s sixth annual gala on Saturday night at Newport’s Island Hotel is expected to again help provide a no-cost 30-hour reading assistance program to children. The party’s theme is “What Dreams Are Made Of.”

This year’s gala has raised more than $30,000 in sponsorships alone.

The party will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction.

A dinner later in the evening will feature an announcement of Wienerschnitzel, which contributed $15,000, as the presenting sponsor. The Disneyland Resort donated $5,000, and JoAnn Albers, the Rome Family Foundation, the Susan and Gary C. Grant Trust and Jeannie Lawrence gave $2,500 each.

Three students from the reading program will share their dreams of being literate adults.

“The work of The Literacy Project is very near and dear to my heart, as I believe that without literacy, children will be missing a skill that is vital to achieving their dreams,” Cindy Galardi Culpepper, chief executive of Wienerschnitzel, said in a statement. “I feel a great sense of responsibility to help ensure our students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in school, in their careers and in life.”

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IF YOU GO

What: The Literacy Project gala

When: Saturday, with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. and dinner and music at 7 p.m.

Where: Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach

Tickets: $175

Information: literacyprojectfoundation.org