The Manatee Literacy Council will host a fundraiser, Flavors of Literacy, on Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Manatee River Garden Club.
The event will feature a variety of foods from around the world and beer pairings, showcasing different cultures and culinary traditions while raising money for adult literacy programs in Manatee County. There will also be live music and dancing/dance lessons. Some of the “flavors” that will be featured include French, German, Thai, and Hispanic/Caribbean.
“Our work of empowering adults through literacy is more meaningful when you meet our incredible learners – many of them have overcome huge obstacles and are determined to achieve better lives,” said Michelle Desveaux McLean, executive director. “Each year, we’ve seen how this event unites the community through a shared appreciation for diverse foods, live music, and dancing – all while supporting literacy for adult learners in Manatee County.”
Literacy is the gatekeeper to education, financial stability, health, relationships, and empowerment and the foundation of self-sufficiency and success. But in Manatee County, 1 in 5 adults cannot read above a fifth-grade level. Florida has the third-lowest adult literacy level in the country.
Basic tasks, such as filling out applications, writing checks, grocery shopping, reading to children, interpreting a bus schedule, or communicating with a child’s teacher, are difficult. For those with no English fluency, the problem is worse.
The Manatee Literacy Council, which was founded in 1978, provides services confidentially and free of charge to adult residents regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, or socioeconomic status. Programs include Confident Conversation Classes, personal tutoring, literacy classes, financial literacy classes, ESOL (English as a Second Language) classes, U.S. Citizenship test preparation, and more. McLean said numerous clients have gone on to secure better jobs and pass citizenship tests.
The cost of the event is $30/advance, $35/at the door. Register by visiting manatee-literacy.org/flavors-of-literacy-november-2025; email info@manatee-literacy.org or call 941-746-8197 for more information or to sponsor the event.
Submitted by Sharon Kunkel
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: ‘Flavors of Literacy’ to make a delicious difference in Manatee County