LYNN — For the past five years, a group of volunteers has raised money for organizations and nonprofits that promote literacy and higher education in the city. This year, La Vida Scholars will take home the top award.
The Celebrate Literacy fundraiser has been held annually since 2013.
“Our goal is to highlight the work of the nonprofit organization that is chosen, to promote the organization, and encourage others to contribute,” said Saritin Rizzuto.
The idea started when Operation Bootstrap, now called Pathways, needed funds to secure a matching grant. The organization works with adults who do not have a high school diploma or need to learn or improve their English.
Rizzuto, who had held fundraisers in her backyard for causes related to domestic violence, volunteered to host the first event. She tapped into known resources and secured food and beverage donations. The result was $15,000 to go toward the organization’s goal.
The award became known as the Excellence in Literacy Leadership Award and was given to Operation Bootstrap for the first two years.
The Haven Project, Building Bridges Through Music, and The No Ceilings Movement each benefited from the monetary award in years that followed.
La Vida Scholars provides academic support, college entrance exam preparation, matched college savings, individualized student advising and counseling, and help with scholarship programs for low-income families in Lynn who are primarily immigrants.
Since 2007, the program has helped 98 students find more than $12 million in grants, scholarships and awards.
This year, money raised at a fundraising event on Aug. 29 will help the nonprofit further its efforts.
Promoting literacy is especially important in Lynn because many students face unique challenges, including learning English, and many don’t strive in a traditional school setting, said Rizzuto.
About $20,000 was needed for The Haven Project to purchase computers and software to start providing a GED program to young adults who didn’t receive a diploma.
“We raised the money and they were able to get started that following year,” said Rizzuto. “If we hadn’t been able to raise the money, it would have delayed the opportunities for those kids.”
The No Ceilings Movement works with athletes in Lynn’s high schools and helps them move through the college selection process.
“They let them know that there are opportunities for everyone,” said Rizzuto.
In six years, the group has raised more than $70,000 for grassroots nonprofit organizations in the city that have gone above and beyond to improve and increase literacy. Additional awards will be given to a community person and to a corporate person who do the same.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the rooftop of All Care VNA, Hospice, and Home Care on Market Street. Award winners will be announced, and there will be a silent auction and raffle. Tickets cost $30 in advance or $35 at the door.
