Flipping the Page to Reach Out and Read of Greater New York and EL Education

For the first time this year, MK Event Studio worked with Reach Out and Read of Greater New York on their Annual Benefit and Auction! We love Reach Out and Read because they give young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together. This year, through partnerships with pediatricians and hospitals, Reach Out and Read of Greater New York will serve over 275,000 children and their families at 201 program sites throughout all five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley.  We greatly admire how Reach Out and Read’s efforts to help families and communities by encouraging early literacy skills.  Learn more about Reach Out and Read of Greater New York here!

The event honored Selina Alko, Sean Qualls, and Dr. Amy Woolever.  Selina Alko and Sean Qualls were recipients of the Mills Tannenbaum Award for Children’s Literacy.  Sean Qualls is an award winning, Brooklyn-based children’s book illustrator, artist and author.  His wife, Selina Alko, entered the world of children’s books by illustrating the dynamic New York City-themed My Subway Ride and My Taxi Ride. In January, Sean and Selina released Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony & Frederick Douglass, which they co-illustrated.  Sean and Selina’s book are too cute! Their books would be a great gift idea for baby showers or childrens birthday parties.

Dr. Amy Woolever was honored with the Literacy Champion Award. Amy is a pediatrician and serves as the medical director of Reach Out and Read at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. Last year, Elmhurst’s Reach Out and Read program distributed books and literacy guidance to more than 7,000 patients!

A memorable twist to this event was voting on your favorite children’s book from a list of all time favorites. Who knew that Goodnight Moon was published in the 40’s and is still such a favorite today!

Another wonderful organization MK Event Studio worked with for the first time, this past April, was EL Education.  We helped them plan and produce their first Gala ever, which took place at the Metropolitan Club.  EL Education works with public schools across the country to inspire teachers and students to achieve more than they thought possible.  We love how EL Education is seeking to expand the definition of student achievement in communities everywhere, ensuring that all students master rigorous content, develop positive character, and produce high-quality work.
Lee Klingenstein, EL Education Founding Chair, was honored that night for his deep commitment to empowering teachers to build classrooms where character and academic achievement are paramount.  Some of Lee’s youngest students created this wonderful portrait as a gift to Lee