More than 160 guests attended the 5th Annual Book Lovers’ City Lunch presented by KPMG and William Blair on Wednesday, October 23rd. Bernie’s Book Bank was honored to host best-selling author Marie Benedict and educator Vonyell Foster.
Both women shared stories of how books impacted their lives. Marie sharing her journey in becoming an author, beginning at an early age when her aunt gifted her a book titled The Mists of Avalon, introducing her to the hidden world of women’s stories in history. Vonyell told her own story of how she discovered a love for reading, thanks to a nonprofit giving her the book Flat Stanley. She also highlighted the impact that Bernie’s Book Bank has in the lives of her students at Alain Locke Charter School in Chicago.
“Our students look forward to distribution day,” Vonyell emphasized. “The anticipation is in the air when they see the bins coming through the hall. Our students pay attention to all the details, from the delivery truck to the sturdy bags that our students received with six age appropriate books in them, to the colorful bins and the friendly staff members. That’s a world class act and we appreciate that you give that to our students because they deserve the best.”
Bernie’s Book Bank is grateful to presenting sponsors KPMG and William Blair as well as all of our generous sponsors for their support of Book Lovers’ City Lunch. Many thanks to Co-Chairs David Carlson, Lia Douglas and Ryan Dunigan as well as the committee for their work to make this event a success. Special thanks to Sourcebooks for generously providing a copy of The Only Woman in the Room for every guest.
We hope to see you next year at the 6th Annual Book Lovers’ City Lunch!
Photo credit: Susan Ryan Kalina Photography