Posted on Feb 1, 2022 in
FEATURES
Promises Laughter and Fun for All
Fundraiser for Adult Literacy Education Friday, March 25th
Jim McClellan, presenting sponsor The Fred and Mabel R Parks Foundation, with honorees Arlene and Len Rolsen.
The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County invites everyone to enjoy and evening of fun and fabulous food with Emmy award-winning actress, comedian, singer and author Vicki Lawrence as the featured speaker at Reading Between the Wines – Night of a Thousand Laughs on Friday, March 25th at Safari Texas.
“We are thrilled to host Vicki Lawrence for this year’s Reading Between the Wines,” said Terri Stuart, Executive Director. “In light of world events over the last 18 months, an evening full of fun, laughter and levity is exactly what our community needs, and we think Vicki Lawrence definitely fits the bill.” Co-chaired by Gena Horak and Patti Parish-Kaminski, the flagship event is presented by The Fred and Mabel R Parks Foundation and honors Len and Arlene Rolsen for their long-term dedication and support of adult literacy education in Fort Bend County.
The event features a restaurant stroll promoting the best menu items from local chefs and restaurants with featured wines, along with music by JJ Essen, a live auction, a super silent auction, a grab bag opportunity called “Pushing the Envelope,” plus a dessert auction.
“This is the one event all year long you do not want to miss,” said co-chair Patti Parish-Kaminski. “After a home bound hiatus of television binge-watching, it’s time for friends to get out and have some fun. As Carol would sing at the end of every show, ‘I’m so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh or sing a song.’ Let’s have a laugh with Vicki, support an amazing community asset and have some much-needed fun!”
Featured restaurants for this year’s event to date include Blockhouse Coffee, Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, El Tiempo Cantina, Off the Vine Bistro, Ol’ Railroad Café, Pier 36 Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar and The Swinging Door.
Generous event sponsors committed to date include The Richard and Paula Ruskan Charitable Trust, Allegiance Bank – Stafford, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, Eileen Akerson, Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Cadence Bank, CivilCorp LLC, Holly Clay, Comcast, Kris Cobb – Wells Fargo Advisors, Roy Cordes, Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Gena and Paul Horak, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Patti and Tim Kaminski, KW Southwest, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Allison Piper, William & Debbie Schwer, Jess and Terri Stuart and Tallas Insurance.
Reading Between the Wines is the signature event for the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. Proceeds from the event support adult literacy education programs and services throughout Fort Bend County. Since 2013, the annual event has raised more than $1 million to invest in programs including English as a Second Language, High School Equivalency/GED Exam Prep, and United States Citizenship and Civics courses.
Sponsorship opportunities between $500 to $10,000 are available, including specialty sponsorships for valet, auction, VIP reception and individual tickets. For more information, contact the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County at 281-240-8181 or e-mail Alex Sanchez at asanchez@ftbendliteracy.org.
About Vicki Lawrence
A multi-talented actress, comedian, and singer, Lawrence is known for the many characters she originated on CBS’s The Carol Burnett Show, where she appeared for the entire series run from 1967 to 1978. One such character, Thelma Harper/Mama, was the central character of ever popular television situation comedy series Mama’s Family. Both shows can still be viewed today and are syndicated throughout the country.
Lawrence has multiple Emmy Award nominations, including a win in 1976. She is a multiple Golden Globe nominee, all for The Carol Burnett Show. In 1973, Lawrence recorded the hit song “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” It reached Number One on both the United States and Canada top charts.
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