We would like to thank everyone who came out to our very first public fundraiser in support of PageSlayers last month. It was an amazing afternoon at Books & Books, our gracious hosts, and hands down the best place to advocate for the power of literature in Miami.
The fundraiser drew a packed crowd of attendees who had the opportunity to learn more about PageSlayers, enjoy drinks and, of course, hear from our esteemed literary rock stars for the night, Edwidge Danticat and Patricia Engel.
After a welcome from PageSlayers founder Dana De Greff, Opa-Locka City Commissioner, Matthew Pigatt, took the microphone to talk about the need for a program like PageSlayers in the community.
“I want to thank you for bringing this to Opa-Locka,” Pigatt said. He then went on to encourage those in attendance to “become a champion” for a program that he truly believes will have a “very realistic impact.”
Patricia Engel, who has written three books of acclaimed fiction in her career, followed Matthew with a reading from her latest novel, The Veins of the Ocean, and her own words of support for PageSlayers and the mission of arming young students with the power to write and create.
Edwidge Danticat, author of over 10 books and winner of prestigious awards such as the National Book Award and a MacArthur “Genius Grant,” followed and relayed to the crowd why she was so enthusiastic and proud to support “this important work at hand” by being in attendance.
As a special treat, Edwidge read for the first time from her forthcoming book The Art of Death: Writing the Final Story, which will be released in July.
Thank you again to everyone who joined us! We’re currently in the process of getting ready for our first session in June, but in the meantime, please continue to support us by donating and spreading the word. All proceeds go toward helping us make sure our kids in Opa-Locka have an amazing summer experiencing the power of creative writing.
Remember, every donation is matched by the Knight Foundation. So yes, every penny counts!
Please click on the image below to see a few more photos from our event!
