Reds, Whites, and Brews

A Toast to Literacy

Cleveland Reads’ annual benefit, “Reds, Whites, and Brews: A Toast to Literacy,” held on Saturday, May 19^th, was a gala evening of wine and beer tasting, delicious food, and animated conversation.  Thanks to all of Greater Cleveland’s literacy advocates and supporters, we had our best year ever raising upwards of $90,000 in support of our literacy efforts!  Thank you to everyone who helped make this event the success it was.

With glasses raised high, a toast was made “to improve literacy efforts in Greater Cleveland through the support of Cleveland Reads.”  Attendees bid on 36 fabulous auction items, including a basketball autographed by the entire 2006-2007 Cavaliers, tickets to various sporting and cultural events and gift certificates to some of the top restaurants in Cleveland.  The raffle of a spirits table, valued at over $1,500, caught everyone’s attention.  It featured Kate Spade barware, a Waterford Champagne bucket, and a variety of high-end wines and liquors.  The raffle drawing culminated the evening’s festivities. 

More than 330 people from Greater Cleveland came together at Sammy’s in the Flats for wine and beer tasting.  The event featured 13 different wine distributors who featured reds, whites and proseco wines, as well as a good selection of beers.  The spirits were complimented with hors d’oeuvres and festive music provided by “A Glass of Wine.”

Top corporate sponsors this year included Kolbus, The Plain Dealer and Cleveland Magazine.  We would like to acknowledge with special appreciation this year’s co-chairs, Elizabeth Newman and Azadeh Hardiman, without whose hard work, determination and expertise this event would not have been possible.