Inside Literacy Partners’ 40th Anniversary Gala: Patricia Cornwell, Lesley Stahl, Sherrie Westin and Barbara Tober Take Center Stage

Award-winning author Patricia Cornwell, Salesforce President Sabastian Niles, philanthropist Barbara Tober and Sesame Workshop CEO Sherrie Westin will be honored at Literacy Partners’ milestone Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner.

Literacy Partners will celebrate a major milestone on June 8 when it hosts the 40th anniversary of its Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, bringing together leaders from the worlds of literature, philanthropy, business and media for one of New York’s most enduring charitable events.

A Major Black-Tie Gala Tied to NYC’s Philanthropic Champions of Literacy

Founded in 1986 by legendary columnist Liz Smith, the annual black-tie gala has become a fixture on New York’s philanthropic calendar, championing the transformative power of literacy while raising support for programs that help adults, parents and caregivers build stronger futures for themselves and their children.

This year’s anniversary celebration will honor four accomplished leaders whose work reflects the values of education, storytelling, service and opportunity.

Patricia Cornwell, award-winning author, is one of four honorees at this year’s Literacy Partners Gala in NYC.  Photo courtesy Patricia Cornwell

Best-selling crime novelist Patricia Cornwell will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Widely credited with helping redefine modern crime fiction, Cornwell has built an international following and remains one of the genre’s most influential voices.

Sabastian Niles.  Photo courtesy Sabastian Niles

Sabastian Niles, president and chief legal officer of Salesforce, will receive the Distinguished Leadership in Literacy Award in recognition of his commitment to expanding access, equity and opportunity.

Barbara Tober. Photo courtesy Barbara Tober

The Lizzie Award, named in honor of Liz Smith, will be presented to philanthropist, publishing executive and longtime arts patron Barbara Tober. Best known for her more than 30 years as editor-in-chief of BRIDES magazine, Tober has long been a champion of New York’s cultural and civic institutions.

Sherrie Westin. Photo courtesy of Sherrie Westin.

Sherrie Westin, president and CEO of Sesame Workshop, will receive the Champion of Literacy Award. Under her leadership, the nonprofit organization behind “Sesame Street” has continued to expand educational opportunities for children and families around the world.

Lesley Stahl. Photo courtesy of Lesley Stahl

Award-winning journalist Lesley Stahl, whose distinguished career spans decades at “60 Minutes,” will serve as host for the evening.

In keeping with tradition, the program will feature personal stories that highlight literacy’s ability to transform lives, open doors to opportunity and strengthen families across generations. Guests will also hear firsthand accounts from individuals whose lives have been impacted through Literacy Partners’ work.

The Legacy of Literacy Parters

Since 1973, Literacy Partners has provided free literacy education to adults and families through its two-generation approach, helping parents and caregivers strengthen their own literacy skills while supporting early childhood development and school readiness.

Now in its 40th year, the Evening of Readings remains a powerful reminder that literacy can change the trajectory of families and communities. As New York’s literary, philanthropic and business leaders gather to celebrate this milestone anniversary, the evening will honor not only exceptional achievement but also the enduring belief that education creates opportunity.

For information about tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities, visit Literacy Partners: www.literacypartners.org