Today's Read Team 
National Literacy Trust Gala Raises £218,000 for Literacy Initiatives
On March 20th, a star-studded gala dinner hosted by the National Literacy Trust took place at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London, successfully raising £218,000 to enhance literacy efforts for both children and adults.
Event Highlights
The gala attracted a diverse crowd of attendees, including notable figures from the literary world such as Julia Donaldson, Cressida Cowell, and Alexander Armstrong. The event provided a platform for publishers, business leaders, authors, and literacy ambassadors to converge and support a common cause.
Notable Guests
Among the attendees were respected authors like Charlie Higson, Adele Parks, and Axel Scheffler, along with representatives from leading companies including Amazon, WHSmith, and Bloomberg. Prominent publishing houses such as Penguin Random House, Pan Macmillan, and Simon & Schuster were also well-represented at the event.
Auction Prizes
The evening featured an exciting auction with unique prizes, allowing guests to bid on exclusive items. Highlights included:
- A signed special edition of Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses (Penguin)
- Framed original artwork by Axel Scheffler
- VIP tickets to the prestigious Queen’s Reading Room Festival
Impact on Communities
The funds raised during the gala will be directed towards supporting individuals in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities. This effort aims to enhance literacy resources and programs, addressing a critical need among these populations.
The National Literacy Trust continues to play an integral role in fostering a culture of reading and learning, contributing significantly to the improvement of literacy standards across the nation.