Reading Is Fundamental
Gift of Reading Awards Gala

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) engaged --> Hayes & Associates to produce and raise funds for its Gift of Reading Awards Gala. H&A is proud to coordinate this celebratory event, which honors outstanding individuals and organizations whose achievements have expanded literacy and educational opportunities for our nation’s children. Since 2005, the gala has raised more than $1.3 million for RIF programs.

Past Gift of Reading Award recipients have included Lynne V. Cheney, James Barksdale (former Netscape CEO and founder of the Barksdale Reading Institute) and Claiborne Barksdale (CEO, Barksdale Reading Institute), Governor Phil Bredeson, the Committee for Economic Development, LeVar Burton (longtime host of PBS’ “Reading Rainbow”), the National Council of La Raza, and Target. The gala is attended by members of Congress and the Administration, and corporate and community leaders from around the nation.

H&A planned and executed every aspect of the event, including VIP participation, design and direction of staging and décor, site management, audio visual design and production, sponsorship recruitment, and media relations. The result has been a flawlessly produced awards gala that raises awareness of RIF, and attracts new corporate partnerships and contributors.