{"id":164798,"date":"2026-06-03T10:28:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T15:28:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milwaukeenns.org\/?p=164798"},"modified":"2026-06-03T10:28:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T15:28:15","slug":"post-from-community-literacy-services-of-wisconsin-raises-124770-at-annual-illuminating-literacy-gala","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milwaukeenns.org\/2026\/06\/03\/post-from-community-literacy-services-of-wisconsin-raises-124770-at-annual-illuminating-literacy-gala\/","title":{"rendered":"Post From Community: Literacy Services of Wisconsin raises $124,770 at annual Illuminating Literacy Gala","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Editor\u2019s note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please\u00a0<\/em>submit here<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

By Makayla Harrow, Literacy Services of Wisconsin<\/p>\n

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MILWAUKEE<\/b> \u2013 On May 28, Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW) hosted its annual fundraising gala, <\/span>Illuminating Literacy,<\/span><\/i> which raised an estimated $124,770 to support its adult education programs. The event celebrated student achievement and highlighted how access to education creates new opportunities for adult learners and their families.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nearly 300 supporters gathered to champion LSW\u2019s mission to provide access to quality basic education and skills training so adults can improve their lives, enrich their families, and strengthen our community.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur gala is about more than just raising funds; it is about sharing our students\u2019 glowing achievements and recognizing the dedicated volunteers who guide them every day,\u201d said Holly McCoy-Perez, Executive Director of Literacy Services of Wisconsin. \u201cEvery learner who walks through our doors brings determination and a desire for opportunity. This evening reflects the confidence and independence that education creates.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The evening featured a high-energy live art auction where five acclaimed Milwaukee artists \u2013 <\/span>Melissa Dorn<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Renee Bebeau<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Paula DeStefanis<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Yesi P\u00e9rez<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Ann Baer<\/span><\/a> \u2013 created original, large-scale works in real time. Guests witnessed the creative process firsthand during the cocktail hour before the finished pieces were auctioned to support LSW\u2019s educational initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

The evening\u2019s awards program highlighted the transformative impact of adult education through the stories of four scholarship recipients whose perseverance and academic achievements embody LSW\u2019s mission. The 2026 scholarship awardees included:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n