At the Literacenter, you’ll find a large, colorful office filled with book puns, some scooters, and a pink-haired woman greeting you at the desk. The Chicago Literacy Alliance (CLA), started in 2009, set out to create a collective of nonprofit groups hoping to make an impact on literacy in Chicago. Boasting over 100 members in 2017 - including groups such as WITS, 826CHI, Chicago HOPES for Kids, and Open Books--the CLA works to support these groups in their endeavors, offering workshops and forums that are open to both members and the public. Their mission, according to their website, is a 100% literate Chicago.
This year, their annual fundraiser will take place on June 3. The gala is entitled “A CLAssy Affair: Night of 300 Books.” The event will take place from 7-10pm at the Literacenter, located at 641 W. Lake St. At the event, guests will have the opportunity to take home one of 300 rare, signed, or otherwise special books. Examples include signed books by Ray Bradbury, George Carlin, Al Gore, and Sophia Amoruso. There will be a live auction, live art creation, art made from books, and musical performances from Chicago acts m&e and Fumee. The evening will include drinks and dessert.
One of the signed copies available to win at a CLAssy Affair.
Tickets for the event are $100, with sponsorship options available. You can purchase tickets here. Join the CLA in their celebration of the written word and their efforts to create a literate Chicago.