Women's Club Raises Money for Literacy

A women’s group based in the South Hills is hosting a gala event Saturday night to raise money to buy books for underprivileged kids.

The Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club is putting on “The Places You’ll Go” gala at Duquesne University to benefit Reading is FUNdamental in Pittsburgh.

The event has already sold out its allotted 250 tickets, although the group hopes to raise more money through silent auctions and other games. WTAE-TV anchor Andrew Stockey will emcee the event, which will be held at the university’s Power Center Ballroom.

“We all understand the importance of literacy in young children’s lives,” MLJWC President Katie Graybill said in a written statement. “We’re proud to support RIF Pittsburgh and the parents and children who will benefit from our grant.”

The women’s group has 80 members and is based in Mt. Lebanon, although some involved with the club are from other South Hills communities.

This year’s gala coincides with Read Across America week. Reading is FUNdamental in Pittsburgh has provided about 60,000 books and motivational reading activities for more than 20,000 underprivileged youths in the area.

Lisa Sweeney, a member of the group, was unsure how much money the event would raise, but said one of the previous galas brought in nearly $30,000. The group has donated more than $500,000 to various causes in the past 43 years.

For more information about the group and Saturday’s gala, go to www.mljwc.com.