Luncheon tables take on book themes
The Rotary Club of Butler is asking local literature lovers to put down their books, just for a bit, and come to its Jan. 27th Luncheon for Literacy.
Taking place in Founders Hall at Butler County Community College, funds raised from this event will be used to provide scholarships for the Adult Literacy Program at BC3 to pay for the proctored GED test.
Luncheon for Literacy committee member Ann Baglier said, “We're recruiting community members and businesses to sponsor decorating a table based on a book of their choosing.”
“This year, we've had people picking the Bible and 'Watership Down,' as some of the selections,” said Baglier. “Each table is themed and decorated to reflect that particular book.”
The tables seat six and each sponsoring individual, group or business must provide favors, a centerpiece relating to the theme of the table, a new copy of the theme book, table service and other decorations that will complement the table theme.
Baglier said money raised at the lunch, as well as basket auction and charging $1 to vote for the best table, will go toward the GED fees.
In addition to a catered lunch, Butler author Tom Bennitt will be reading from his recently published novel “Burning Under” that prominently features Butler County locations.
Baglier said without a high school degree employment opportunities are very limited.
“In 2017, through the Adult Literacy Program, 35 people were also able to obtain their GEDs, setting them on a path to better opportunities.
“However, all of this comes at a price that many are unable to afford,” she added. “The GED test takes place in Cranberry Township. It is a proctored test and there is a $120 fee to take the test. The scholarships pay for those fees.”
Barbara Gade, director of BC3's Adult Literacy Program, said the last literary lunch several years ago raised $3,000 to pay for the GED test fees for program participants.
“All of the proceeds from the lunch go to the program and most of that goes to the GED fees,” said Gade.
“We have several adult literacy classes,” she said. “Evening classes at the college, morning classes at First United Methodist Church, evening classes in Cranberry Township.”
“These are open enrollment classes,” said Gade. “As soon as the student is ready, we encourage them to take the GED. It may be six weeks needed to get the dust blown off or six months.”
She added class members can range in age from 16 to 73, although most of the class members are in the 20- to 30-year-old range.
“These are nongraduates with life getting in the way. They did not graduate the first time,” said Gade.
To graduate this time, they need to pay the fee to take the GED. Hence the Luncheon for Literacy.
“This year we will be able to seat 150 people for the lunch,” said Gade. “I will be attending and sponsoring and decorating a table.”
Baglier added, “Please consider participating.”
WHAT: Luncheon for LiteracyWHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 27 (doors open at noon)WHERE: Founders Hall on the Butler County Community College campus, 107 College DriveINFO: Call Sue Edwards at 724-283-7363 or Ann Baglier at 724-679-5443 or email abaglier@zoominternet.net.
