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Literacy for Life event welcomes wine, “Orphan Train” author

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Literacy for Life’s biggest fundraising event, Reading Between the Wines, returns for its 13th year Oct. 12. The educational nonprofit is once again inviting literature lovers to see a big name in the world of books.

Christina Baker Kline, a New York Times bestselling author of “Orphan Train” and “A Piece of the World,” will present to the audience.

“She’s an amazing writer, highly esteemed. We loved her books,” said Joan Peterson, the organization’s executive director. “This is really our signature fundraising event.”

The event nets $100,000 for the organization on average, making it Literacy for Life’s biggest fundraising initiative of the year. It helps fund tutoring programs that span reading, job skill training, citizenship test preparation and beyond.

“This is how we continue to provide our services to the community for free. That’s something that’s quite unique for Literacy for Life,” said Amy Sikes, development coordinator.

The 2018 affair moves proceedings from the Williamsburg Winery to a larger venue, Miller Hall at the College of William and Mary.

“I think it’s just going to be a better experience,” Sikes said. “We wanted to expand our ability to reach a broader audience.”

This year sees Reading Between the Wines move from the Williamsburg Winery to Miller Hall at William and Mary.
This year sees Reading Between the Wines move from the Williamsburg Winery to Miller Hall at William and Mary.

The move looks to be a wise choice as ticket sales outpace those prior to the 2017 event, according to organizers.

The event also features food, wine and live music from WMBG radio host and pianist Robert Hodge. The live and silent auction includes prizes such as dinners at local restaurants and a Billsburg Brewery founders growler, which promises half-price refills for life. The biggest item comes in the form of a trip to Napa Valley, continuing the wine theme.

“We’re trying to go a little more upscale,” Sikes said. “We’re just trying to raise the bar.”

Three learners who have benefited from Literacy for Life will speak during the event, including a pair of sisters who recently earned their GED diplomas and have “big plans” for the next chapter of their lives, Peterson said.

“It will inspire and delight,” she said.

Want to go?

Reading Between the Wines runs 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at William and Mary’s Miller Hall, 101 Ukrop Way. Tickets are $75, available at bit.ly/2DEJdQi.