Good, Clean Fun at ‘Laughs for Literacy’

Good, Clean Fun at ‘Laughs for Literacy’

By Peggy Werner

It’s been said laughter is the best medicine and in a world full of ills, it’s time to take a big dose of an evening filled with clean humor, good food, and music – all for a good cause.

Laughs for Literacy is the major fundraiser for The Literacy Council and will take place this year at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, 1601 Parkview Ave.

Highlights will include the return of favorite comedian Gerry Grossman, hors d’ oeuvres and desserts provided by Mary’s Market, an open bar of beer and wine, a 50/50 raffle and a new “Barrels of Laughs” drawing for prizes. Those in attendance can buy unlimited $5 tickets, which can be placed in barrels next to about 20 items, with one lucky winner’s name being drawn for each prize that evening. Among prize items are sports memorabilia, gift cards, art work, event tickets and outings for families. Morning radio personality Steve Summers of 95.3 The Bull will be master of ceremonies.

Comic Gerry Grossman is nicknamed “the Human Jukebox” for his performances that include classic rock n’ roll music and humor. He has appeared with Who’s Who, John Denver, The Byrds, The Turtles, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Johnny Rivers, Tammy Wynette, Three Dog Night, The Temptations and many other famous names.

Grossman says “magic” happens when you tap into people’s good memories and touch their hearts with song and that’s why requests are a big part of the evening.

“People communicate through music. Laughter breaks through all the barriers of brokenness we each have, and in that moment, we are united,” he says.

Literacy Council Executive Director Sheryl Thogerson says people loved Grossman when he performed for the event three years ago.

“No one wanted to leave because they were having so much fun,” she says. “He sings, tells jokes, gets the audience involved and it’s all good, clean humor. He’s a real crowd pleaser and perfect for our event. Everyone wanted him back.”

The Literacy Council’s mission is to “empower individuals to achieve” and it relies on volunteers to help learners achieve their goals. Currently, about 100 volunteers are paired with one or more learners, but about 30 people who want to learn are on a waiting list, she says.

“Our mission is to empower people of all ages by helping them improve their reading and writing skills so they can advance in their jobs and careers, all at no cost to the learners,” says Thogerson.

In addition to helping adults learn to read at least to a ninthgrade level, the council also offers English as a Second Language classes and Adult Basic Education Skills, which teach reading, writing, history and math to those 17 and older who are not in school. Children in kindergarten through third grade who have difficulty reading benefit from the I Read program through a partnership of the United Way of Rock River Valley and The Literacy Council. Teachers also meet with families at Crusader Clinic and Winnebago County Health Department to read to children and talk to parents about the importance of reading. Each child takes a book home.

“We want children to be excited about reading and to help parents understand the importance of reading as a stepping stone to achieving success in life.”

The Literacy Council services individuals in Boone, Winnebago and Northeast Ogle counties, where more than 40,000 people do not read past the third or fourth grade level, Thogerson says. “It’s unbelievable, but it’s true.” A variety of things interrupt the learning process, causing young children to be unable to concentrate at school, she says, including poverty, childhood trauma, domestic violence, learning disabilities and more. In many cases, students don’t meet high school graduation requirements or drop out.

“For adults, there are many reasons that life got in the way and they didn’t complete the education they needed. People come to us because they need help filling out job applications so they can get a better job, want to prepare for the GED exam and want to help their own children in school,” she says.

Twelve-hour training sessions are offered monthly for those interested in becoming tutors; online courses are also available. See the training schedule at theliteracycouncil.org.

“We’re always improving our programs and updating our materials to give volunteers the best training and resources possible,” she says.

The Literacy Council is a non-profit group that receives state and federal funding for adult education programs. Additional funding comes from grants, foundations and fundraisers.

Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling (815) 963-7323, ext. 11 or by going online at laughsforliteracy19.eventbrite.com. Mail orders can be sent to The Literacy Council at 982 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61103. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and you need not be present to win. ❚