Mayors’ Literacy Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2009
Contact: Cheryl Crowley, ImMEDIAcy Public Relations, Inc.
(561) 776-7659 Office
(561) 371-5631 Mobile

Local mayors gather to promote literacy in Palm Beach County

Comcast hosts Mayors' Literacy Initiative Luncheon at Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach

West Palm Beach, Florida - On September 9, Comcast sponsored the Mayors' Literacy Initiative Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach in partnership with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County League of Cities. More than 90 guests attended the luncheon. While enjoying lunch and a keynote address from Steve Leveen, founder of Levenger and a literacy tutor, local mayors, council members and key staff learned about how they can establish literacy as a core community value and all were encouraged to make literacy a key priority in their city.

"So many mayors and city council members commented on ways their cities plan to give further support to literacy efforts in their communities during the coming year," said Darlene Kostrub, chief executive officer for the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. "This will be a tremendous way to raise literacy to a higher priority in the county and help to meet the needs of the one in seven adults who function at the lowest literacy levels."

The Literacy Coalition formed the Mayors' Literacy Initiative in 2006 to begin involving local municipalities in raising literacy to a key community priority. Mayors from all 38 municipalities in Palm Beach County have been invited to join the Initiative. Since the Initiative was formed, more than 25 municipalities have joined and continue to participate in literacy efforts each year. Some of the most active cities include Atlantis, Boynton Beach, Cloud Lake, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Ocean Ridge, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington and West Palm Beach.

About the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
It is estimated that 1 in 7 adults in Palm Beach County function at the lowest level of literacy and approximately one third of fourth grade students cannot read at grade level. The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County is committed to promoting and achieving literacy for adults, children and families. For more information about the Literacy Coalition, its programs or the Mayors' Literacy Initiative, please contact the Coalition office, 1-800-273-1030.