Project READ's Annual BBQ & Awards Ceremony

 Loretta's View of the BBQ!

The skies were a vibrant blue with just a hint of a cooling breeze as Project READ (P.R.) hosted its annual BBQ and Awards Celebration at the Community Activities Building in Redwood City. This year’s theme was “Pirates through the years”. As I walked through the entrance into the colorfully decorated hall, I was greeted by a motley crew of pirates. “Captain” Joanne, her “first mate” Jean, Chelsea  and Matthew the beloved “go-fors” assisted the arrivals. Jayita and Cecilia, a tutor/learner pair, handed out name tags as they signed in the numerous volunteers for the day. 

The children were given re-usable tote bags to decorate at the crafts table led by Maryanne, who is a volunteer for HOBA (Hands on Bay Area) as well as other volunteers from this incredible non-profit organization.  These volunteers also helped the kids to assemble eye-catching pirate hats and had fun creating pirate puzzles.

Long tables were set up with multi-colored balloons awaiting the delicious BBQ to be served later in the day. Opposite the tables, teen tutors Leslie and Marie were selling P.R. T-Shirts. Pam Patek, Youth (FIP) & Small Group Student/Tutor Coordinator, was in charge of the “Guess How Many Gold and Silver Coins” game. She says “there were tons of guesses” as people counted the coins from top to bottom, sideways and even picked up the jar to guess how many it held. The actual amount was 586 and Sara Martinez won with a guess of 589.

At last it was time to present the “Spirit of Project READ Awards”. Kathy Endaya, Director of Project READ addressed the crowd with an eloquent and thoughtful speech acknowledging the various entities such as “Redwood City Friends of Literacy” and the many volunteers that contribute so much to the success of Project READ. This year Angele Echele, Adult & Families (FFL) Student/Tutor Coordinator, honored the Adult Tutoring pair, Larry Knox and Trivan Lovings. Gil Gatea, Family Literacy Center Student /Tutor Coordinator and Brigid Walsh, Student/Tutor Coordinator honored Teen Tutor Katherine Ruiz. Pam Patek honored the Adult Tutor with Child pair, Gabriela Ake and Annie Georges. It was wonderful to see the beaming faces of all the honorees. Following the awards, yummy desserts were served courtesy of the kitchen crew.

Loretta Farris is a Project READ volunteer tutor and writes monthly Project READ blogs about our learners, families, volunteers and events . She has been awarded the "Spirit of Project READ Award" along with her learner Evelyn for their commitment to Project READ.