Bestselling Author Tayari Jones Featured at 2026 Love of Literacy Luncheon
Fundraiser Raised $250k in Support of Local Literacy Programs
Contact:
Kristin Calder
561-635-8423
Kcalder@literacypbc.org
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla., April 13, 2026 – The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County hosted New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones in front of an audience of 600 literacy supporters at the 35th Annual Love of Literacy Luncheon on April 9 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The Coalition’s signature fundraiser raised $250,000 in crucial funds to benefit local literacy programs. Ms. Jones was interviewed on stage by Ann Bocock, host of “Between the Covers” on South Florida PBS and Literacy AmeriCorps members shared about their experience serving in local schools. Following the event, a book signing was held.
Ms. Jones is a New York Times bestselling author of five novels. Her most recent book, Kin, was selected by Oprah’s Book Club to launch its 30th year and debuted at #3 on the New York Times Bestseller list following its February 24, 2026, release. She is best known for An American Marriage (2018), also an Oprah’s Book Club selection. The novel received widespread acclaim, winning the Women’s Prize for Fiction, Aspen Words Literary Prize, and an NAACP Image Award, and has been published in more than two dozen countries.
The Luncheon was co-chaired by Telsula C. Morgan and Lindsay M. Reinhart. Committee members included Dr. Regine Bataille, Maggie Dickenson, Margaret Donnelley, Keva Farquharson, Debra Ghostine, Grace Halabi, Nancy Haviland, Sharon Hill, Alma Horne, Stephanie Kahlert, Bernadette O’Grady, Carol Rose and Janel Williams.
“We were grateful to have a sold-out crowd come together to celebrate inspired storytelling while raising awareness and funds for literacy in our community,” said Kristin Calder, Literacy Coalition CEO. “We thank our community and business leaders for their longstanding support in helping us make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Thank you to Presenting Sponsor Bank of America and the following supporters:
Platinum Sponsor: Brenda Medore
Diamond Sponsors: Shawn M. Donnelley and Christopher M. Kelly, GL Homes, Karen Rogers
Gold Sponsors: First Horizon Foundation, Gentle Medicine Associates, Inc., Greenberg Traurig, P.A., Kosinski Family Foundation, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A., The Palm Beach Post, SCAPS Medical, Cynthia F. Sulzberger
Silver Sponsors: Akerman, LLP, Cozen O’Connor, P.A., Florida Atlantic University, Barbara and Len Gray, Stephanie Kahlert, Lynn University, The Lynch Family & Plastridge Insurance, Nason Yeager Gerson Harris & Fumero, P.A., Denise Rivas, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A., U.S. Bank, WPTV 5
To learn more about the Coalition’s literacy programs and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.LiteracyPBC.org.
About the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
Founded in 1989, the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County is a recipient of the coveted 4 out of 4-stars Charity Navigator rating for 16 consecutive years. Partnering with schools, libraries and community organizations, the Coalition staff, volunteers and AmeriCorps members work to improve the quality of life in our community by promoting and achieving literacy. Through literacy programs for children and adults whose limited literacy affects their quality of life, the Coalition served more than 64,000 people last year.
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