Luncheon for Literacy supports worthy cause
The Rotary Club of Butler PM’s Luncheon for Literacy on Sunday is a special event supporting a worthy cause.
Stories came to life at tables decorated to match the theme of various published books at Butler County Community College’s Founders Hall. Each table in the room represented a different literary tome, and those in attendance could vote on which table was their favorite.
A silent auction, basket raffles and a 50/50 drawing raised money in support of the adult literacy program at BC3.
According to the program’s director, Barb Gade, it will serve up to 116 students in the coming year.
As she explained to a crowd of smiling faces seated at the uniquely decorated tables, the event supports scholarships for students seeking their GED diploma. The funding covers the cost of taking the test — something federal and state funds won’t cover.
That cost, she said, can be prohibitive for some students.
Reasons why people go back to earn a GED vary. For Marcella Rogers, who spoke at the event, the reason was a battle with long-form COVID-19. Mental fog from the disease caused her to step down from a long-time job in accounting.
She had never earned her high school diploma, but found herself in need of one in order to find a new job.
Going through the program helped her earn her degree — and gave her confidence that she could learn again after struggling post-COVID.
COVID-19 was actually the reason the Luncheon for Literacy was put on hold for two years. Last weekend’s event marked its return.
We’re grateful this special event supporting a good cause is back.
— TL
