RIF NOVA'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY GOLDEN GALA: ONE FOR THE BOOKS
On October 20, 2022, to help celebrate RIF NOVA's 50th birthday -- 1972 to 2022 -- we held a Golden Gala:
ONE FOR THE BOOKS!
ONE FOR THE BOOKS!
Golden Gala Keynote Speaker
RIF NOVA is beyond thrilled to acknowledge Michelle and David Baldacci's generous donation of $50,000, announced by Mr. Baldacci at the Golden Gala. As our Keynote Speaker, he talked about the criticality of books to children's success, to the economy, and to democracy, and then committed the amazing sum in honor of RIF NOVA's 50 years of providing books to area children.
Keynote Speaker David Baldacci
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David Baldacci published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996. In total, he has published 45 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, with more than 150 million copies sold worldwide. He has also published seven novels for young readers. In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States. In 2008 the Foundation partnered with Feeding America to launch Feeding Body & Mind, a program to address the connection between literacy, poverty, and hunger. Through Feeding Body & Mind, more than one million new and gently used books have been collected and distributed through food banks to families in need. A lifelong Virginian, David Baldacci received his Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, after which he practiced law in Washington, D.C. |
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Emcee Jummy Olabanji Jummy Olabanji co-anchors News4 Today, NBC 4's morning news program. A native of Fairfax County, Olabanji has spent most of her life in Virginia, graduating from Westfield High School in Chantilly and Virginia Tech. She has been honored for her work with two national Edward R. Murrow Awards for breaking news anchor coverage, two Virginia Associated Press Awards, and eight EMMY Awards. Ms. Olabanji is an advocate for organ donation and sits on the board of the National Kidney Foundation. She is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists. |
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Literacy Luminary Awardee
Dr. Ingrid Bynum Dr. Ingrid Bynum was a featured speaker at the Gala, where she received RIF NOVA's first-ever "Literacy Luminary" Award for exceptional and ongoing support for reading and literacy in the Northern Virginia community. As a child, she received a book from RIF while living in dire poverty in the city of Richmond. It changed her life. At the Gala, she spoke about the difference ONE BOOK can make, as it did for her. Since 2012, Dr. Bynum has been the principal of Patrick Henry K-8 School, one of the 37 schools and sites served by NOVA RIF. With many degrees to her credit, including a Doctorate of Education in advanced educational leadership, this Alexandria City Public School 2016 Principal of the Year is passionate about reading and urges every one of her approximately 900 students to read, read, read! Reading scores at her school have improved dramatically because of it! |
Literacy Luminary Awardee Dr. Ingrid Bynum with Keynote Speaker and Author David Baldacci
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Dr. Bynum received RIF NOVA's first-ever Literacy Luminary Award from Emcee NBC-4's Jummy Olabanji
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During a night to remember, Emcee Jummy Olabanji interviewed RIF NOVA president Justina Johnson and provided coverage of the event on her News4Today newscast.
What a Special Night! Click here for a full Photo Galleria!
200+ people came together in a celebration of books and literacy
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Many members of the RIF NOVA board, (l-r) Liz Promen, Sheryl Leeds, Sari Warren, Justina Johnson, Jo Ann Abrams, Chris Bury, Lisa Keathley, Paula Powell, Elaine Liebesman, Sheila Jonas, and Bradley Vineyard. Also in photo, guests Rachel and Marley Clift and, Clifford!
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Bradley Vineyard (center in white), flanked by a special group of Golden Gala committee members (l-r) Jackie Diaz, Sarah Bohn, Paula Foley, Jen Morrow, Becky Lewis, Christine Stein, and Jennifer Condra. (Not in attendance, Lynn Kohls)
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Why books? The stats tell the story.
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