Beneath the skyline of the Hudson River, some of the most influential names in literature, media, and science gathered at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers for the 2025 Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner, hosted by Literacy Partners. The annual event celebrated the transformative power of literacy and raised an incredible $1,180,000 to support life-changing literacy programs across the country.
This year’s gala underscored a central truth: literacy is not just a skill — it’s a lifeline. The evening honored four giants whose work has shaped how we read, report, and understand the world: editor Erroll McDonald, journalist Cynthia McFadden, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and legendary reporter Bob Woodward.
In a poignant moment, Oprah Winfrey took the stage to pay tribute to the late Barbara Taylor Bradford, the bestselling author whose legacy of storytelling continues to uplift readers worldwide.
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Literacy is a force multiplier — it gives parents the power to advocate for their children, pursue better jobs, and participate fully in our democracy," said Asaf Bar-Tura, CEO of Literacy Partners, during his remarks. "Tonight, we honor those who have used their voices and platforms to advance knowledge, truth, and opportunity.
The evening began with a waterfront cocktail reception and moved into a night of readings, personal testimonies, and tributes. Guests heard directly from Literacy Partners students, many of whom have transformed their lives through the organization’s free literacy programs. These initiatives now serve families across 30 states and Puerto Rico, with a focus on high-need communities in New York City, Philadelphia, Nevada, and San Diego.
The honorees reflect the organization’s deep connection to storytelling, truth, and access:
- Erroll McDonald, Vice President and Executive Editor at Alfred A. Knopf, has been a trailblazer in publishing, mentoring and championing literary legends from Toni Morrison to Kazuo Ishiguro.
- Cynthia McFadden, the award-winning NBC correspondent, was recognized for her fearless journalism and commitment to shining light on untold stories.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson was honored for making science accessible and inspiring millions through his work in media, education, and public outreach.
- Bob Woodward, a pillar of investigative journalism, was lauded for his decades of work holding power to account.
Notable guests in attendance included Ronan Farrow, Lesley Stahl, Carl Bernstein, Jean Shafiroff, Courtney E.K. Lewis, Jonathan Karp (CEO, Simon & Schuster), and Jon Yaged (CEO, Macmillan), adding to an evening marked by celebration and purpose.
Founded in 1973, Literacy Partners has evolved from a local tutoring initiative into a nationwide leader in family literacy. The organization employs a two-generation approach — helping parents and caregivers build their own skills while fostering a love of reading and learning in their children. Through digital innovation, context-based learning, and strategic partnerships, Literacy Partners is closing the literacy gap one family at a time.
Tonight is about more than books," said Bar-Tura. "It’s about dignity, opportunity, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to write their own future.
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