GLC 25TH ANNIVERSARY LITERACY BREAKFAST
December 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM CT | Lake Etta, 4801 W 29th Ave, Gary IN 46406
Individual ticket $75 per person · Non-profit community milestone celebration
25 YEARS OF TURNING PAGES
Together, We Write
What's Next
For a quarter of a century, the Gary Literacy Coalition has stood alongside children, families, and educators across Northwest Indiana to ensure the life-changing power of reading reaches every neighborhood. What began as a dedicated grassroots effort has grown into an enduring community pillar. As we celebrate this 25-year milestone, our anniversary centers upon three vital commitments: honoring the civic champions who laid our foundation, expanding home library access today, and building resilient educational equity for the next generation of Gary youth.
PILLAR I
Honoring Our Legacy
Expressing deep gratitude to a quarter-century of community advocates, educators, and volunteers whose relentless devotion seeded generational literacy across Gary.
PILLAR II
Empowering Families
Strengthening home libraries and nurturing multi-generational reading habits so every parent and child can discover the daily joy and empowerment of the written word.
PILLAR III
Pioneering Tomorrow
Expanding modern digital learning tools, youth mentor initiatives, and sustainable equity to prepare young minds for an ever-advancing 21st-century world.
CHAPTER II : TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF IMPACT
Celebrating Our Past
For a quarter century, the Gary Literacy Coalition has transformed barber shops, pediatric clinics, and community spaces into living libraries. Trace the flagship initiatives that laid the foundation for generational reading success.
PROGRAM MILESTONE INDEX
Cornerstones of Our Mission
- Reach Out and Read
- Barbers Boosting Books
- Project R.E.A.D.
- Born to Read Kits
- Community Book Nooks
- Prime Time Family Literacy
Every program reflected in this index represents thousands of volunteer hours, corporate sponsorships, and enduring dedication from local civic educators.
ARCHIVAL PHOTO ALBUM
Moments in Gary's Literacy Journey
Featured visual archive: Archival photography depicting neighborhood read-alouds, early clinic book drop installations, and intergenerational youth reading circles across Gary, Indiana.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
State of Literacy Address
Lori Johnson Kuykendall
Executive Director, Gary Literacy Coalition
“Literacy is not merely an educational benchmark; it is the cornerstone of civic dignity, generational resilience, and community transformation across every neighborhood in Gary.”
In this 25th Anniversary presentation, Lori Johnson Kuykendall will deliver a data-informed evaluation of reading proficiency gains, critical family engagement milestones, and the ongoing structural challenges confronting Gary youth and adult learners. Attendees will gain unvarnished perspective on current interventions and the collective coalition roadmap required to ensure lasting literacy equity.
LOOKING TO THE NEXT 25 YEARS
Making Gary, A Reading City.
“Together, We Write What’s Next.”
Every child who opens a book in our community opens an enduring doorway to self-worth, opportunity, and leadership. As we reflect on a quarter-century of partnership, our resolve deepens: ensuring every young mind in Gary possesses both the books they cherish and the steadfast village that champions their story.
COMMUNITY ATTENDANCE
Reserve Your Seat
Every individual seat occupied at the 25th Anniversary Breakfast directly underwrites essential literacy resources across Northwest Indiana. Your presence signals shared belief in every child, adult, and family striving toward lifelong learning.
- Full seated morning breakfast service and networking reception
- Reserved seating for the State of Literacy Address by Lori Kuykendall
- Commemorative 25-Year Anniversary Program keepsake book
- Direct funding for local classroom and early-reader book distributions
Need assistance completing your order or requesting accessible seating? Please reach out to coalition staff directly at the registration desk upon arrival.
ANNIVERSARY BREAKFAST ADMISSION
Individual ticket $75
One ticket per seat
Includes full breakfast entry, reserved program seat, and tax-deductible contribution acknowledgement for individual supporters.
Instant electronic confirmation with receipt for your records
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & CIVIC IMPACT
Sponsorship Opportunities
Invest in Northwest Indiana literacy programs by underwriting our 25th Anniversary celebration. Review the corporate and civic sponsorship tiers below to champion youth education and lifelong learning.
DRAFT - PENDING LORI APPROVAL FOR THIS EVENT
Bronze Sponsor
$100
Official listing in the printed 25th Anniversary commemorative program and verbal acknowledgment during opening ceremony remarks.
DRAFT - PENDING LORI APPROVAL FOR THIS EVENT
Silver Sponsor
$250
Reserved premier seating for two guests, name inclusion in printed program, and recognized donor listing on the event registration portal.
DRAFT - PENDING LORI APPROVAL FOR THIS EVENT
Gold Sponsor
$500
Half-table seating (4 guests), framed anniversary certificate, digital projection display throughout breakfast, and program recognition.
DRAFT - PENDING LORI APPROVAL FOR THIS EVENT
Patron Sponsor
$1,000
One complete reserved table (8 guests), verbal podium recognition, distinctive logo billing in the program, and formal press release acknowledgment.
DRAFT - PENDING LORI APPROVAL FOR THIS EVENT
Champion Sponsor
$2,500
Priority table of 8, prominent signage across breakfast ballroom, Reach Out and Read classroom book bundle grant in your organization's name.
DRAFT - PENDING LORI APPROVAL FOR THIS EVENT
Visionary Partner
$5,000
Two premier VIP tables (16 guests), on-stage presentation photo with leadership, and prominent branding across digital and print communications.
DRAFT - PENDING LORI APPROVAL FOR THIS EVENT
E-Reader Sponsor
$10,000
Marquee presenting title sponsorship, VIP reception seating, keynote introduction privilege, and dedicated annual recognition across Gary Literacy Coalition initiatives.
CORPORATE & FOUNDATION ALLIANCE
Discuss a Custom Sponsorship
Custom
Collaborate directly with Gary Literacy Coalition leadership to craft a multi-tier underwriting initiative tailored to your corporate social responsibility priorities.
PLAN YOUR MORNING
Event Logistics
We have structured every detail of the 25th Anniversary Literacy Breakfast to ensure a seamless, fully accessible experience for all of our honored guests, senior community leaders, and longtime champions.
Dedicated Guest Concierge
Need personalized mobility assistance, dedicated table placement, or help completing your reservation? Our staff is here to help you directly.
Direct Telephone: (219) 885-2229
Email Inquiries: [email protected]
Where is the 25th Anniversary Breakfast located?
The breakfast celebration is hosted in central Gary, Indiana. Detailed directions, arrival check-in instructions, and hall door markers are emailed to all confirmed ticket holders and sponsoring organizations one week prior to the event date.
Is convenient and accessible parking available on-site?
Yes. Complimentary, paved parking is situated immediately adjacent to the venue entrance. Designated barrier-free accessibility parking spots are reserved closest to the entry doors for guests with mobility placards and senior attendees.
What physical accessibility accommodations are provided?
The venue features step-free level entry, smooth wide aisles suited for wheelchairs or walkers, accessible modern restrooms, and reserved priority seating rows close to the stage and audio monitors.
How do table seating and name check-in work?
Physical tickets are not required at the door. Simply check in by name at the welcome registration table upon arrival. Staff guides will escort individual ticket holders and full sponsored tables directly to their designated places.
Can dietary restrictions and special assistance be accommodated?
Certainly. The breakfast buffet includes vegetarian and heart-healthy options. If you require specific dietary alternatives or personal volunteer escort from your vehicle, please call our team in advance at (219) 885-2229.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Join the Celebration
25 Years of Turning Pages. Together, We Write What's Next.
Every ticket secured and sponsorship committed directly fuels early childhood literacy, family learning workshops, and book distributions across our community. Reserve your seat at the breakfast table today.
Individual ticket $75 • Tax-deductible receipt issued immediately upon registration
MAKING GARY A READING CITY
For 25 years, the Gary Literacy Coalition has advanced literacy education, early childhood initiatives, and community equity to nurture lifelong readers across Northwest Indiana.
Contact Coalition
Physical Address:
Gary Literacy Coalition Inc.
401 Broadway, Suite 100
Gary, IN 46402
Inquiries & Support:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (219) 886-9500
© 2026 Gary Literacy Coalition. All rights reserved. • 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization • Making Gary A Reading City
Campaign Tracking: utm_campaign=glc25_breakfast_2026