Literacy organization, iWRITE, honors over 75 child authors, illustrators in Texas-themed event
Non-profit raises over $98,000
iWRITE Literacy Organization honored more than 75 published 3rd-12th grade authors and illustrator at their Texas-themed 8th Annual Luncheon and Book Signing on November 4th.
The event was the non-profits largest fundraiser with over $98,000 raised. The money raised with go to supporting iWRITE’s mission and expanding “i” The Guy Writing Journal and newly established youth leadership program, the iWRITE Youth Club. J.P. Bryan, founder of The Bryan Museum, was named the honoree of the afternoon for his passion for Texas history, art and his background in storytelling and publishing.
IWRITE HONOREE J.P. BRYAN AND IWRITE FOUNDER MELISSA WILLIAMS
Melissa M. Williams founded iWRITE Literacy in 2009 to show children the literary and publishing world while influencing them to learn outside the classroom. The two main programs include the annual I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids Writing Contest and the “i” The Guy Journal Writing Program.
The program included readings from the Editor’s Choice Poetry Award winner, Autumn McMillan and Editor’s Choice Story Award winners, Kurt Kauffman and Sophia Napoli. Mika Generao was presented with the Sarah Young Textbook Scholarship of $2,000 to use toward books and school supplies upon acceptance into her university of choice.
photo by V. Sweeten
As the inaugural year for the iWRITE Youth Club, children at the Luncheon were given different opportunities to speak and engage with literacy leaders in the greater Houston area.
“In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, many children have had their lives disrupted,” Williams said. “Our event gives them a joyous occasion to celebrate their accomplishments and we hope to continue building their leadership skills.”
photo by V. Sweeten
iWRITE’s mission is to inspire kids to write their own stories and provides publishing and leadership opportunities to our youth. iWRITE focuses on both sides of literacy and on the importance of being a reader and a writer at a young age.
Learn more about the iWRITE Literacy Organization at www.iwrite.org.
photos courtesy of iWRITE
By Evie Sweeten