Join us for Read Ahead's first ever virtual gala!
Full schedule and details below
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a week of virtual events celebrating Read Ahead mentors and mentees, partners, supporters, and this year's honoree, DLA Piper! If you missed out on any of our live events, please check out the links below for the replays.
Support our vital work in schools with a donation of any size.
Follow @readaheadny and #BooksandBeyond2020 on social media to join the conversation and share your Read Ahead story!
Thursday, September 10
6pm EST
Kickoff Welcome
Join Read Ahead’s Executive Director Kristen Baldwin for a live welcome to the week! Kristen will share Read Ahead updates, heartwarming stories of impact, answer questions on the live feed, and raise a glass to the week ahead, where we’ll celebrate all things Read Ahead!
Friday, September 11
All day
National Day of Service and Remembrance
Read Ahead will join thousands of organizations across the country to honor the memory of those who were lost on September 11 by recognizing service in our community. This spirit of unity and compassion will be a focus across Read Ahead’s social media platforms.
Saturday, September 12
10am to 12pm EST
Silent Reading Party hosted by the Read Ahead Junior Board
Spend your Saturday curled up with a good book and good company! Bring your favorite reading material and stay as long as you like. Registration is completely free, with an optional donation to Read Ahead.
Sunday, September 13
10am / 12pm / 7pm EST
Sunday Read Alongs
Sit down with special guest readers from the Read Ahead community as they share their favorite read alongs throughout the day!
Story schedule:
10AM: I am Enough by Grace Byers, If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff, Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh
12PM: Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang, Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
7PM: My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero, CJ’s Big Dream by C.J. Watson
All videos will be available following their premieres on the Read Ahead Facebook page.
Monday, September 14
6pm - 7:30pm EST
Panel Discussion: Raising Resilient Readers
COVID-19 has had a profound impact on New York City public schools and students. Join us for a fascinating conversation with principals and educators from Read Ahead's school partners on how schools, families, and communities can work together to support children and foster success during this difficult time.
Panelists:
Aminah Abusway, Community School Director, P.S. 67 The Dorsey School
Renny Fong, Principal, P.S. 130
Kyesha Jackson, Principal, P.S. 67 The Dorsey School
Kyesha Lewis, Program Coordinator, Read Ahead
Esther Reyes, Assistant Principal, P.S. 92Q
Moderated by Kristen Baldwin, Executive Director, Read Ahead
Tuesday, September 15
12 pm EST
Messages to students video collection
Join us at lunchtime for a world premiere of this special collection of video messages! Read Ahead mentors, supporters, and a few special surprise guests will share their messages for Read Ahead students as they get ready for the 2020-21 school year.
Wednesday, September 16
5:45pm Pre-Show / 6:00pm Celebration / 6:30pm After-Party DJ Set
Books and Beyond Virtual Gala
Celebrate with us at our virtual gala event, where we’ll share heartwarming stories and our vision for the future. We’ll also toast to our honoree, DLA Piper, for their enduring partnership.
Get in touch
To learn more about gala sponsorship, or with general questions, contact us below.