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Extravaganza: The Odyssey helps expand keiki literacy program

Revelers at Book Trust’s 2018 Extravaganza: Treasure Island at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort and Spa in Wailea. -- Photo courtesy Book Trust

Book Trust Hawaii hosts its seventh annual fundraiser on Saturday, March 23 at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

The Greek-themed evening, which features live entertainment, one-of-a-kind live and silent auction items and more, begins with a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a Mediterranean feast prepared by Executive Chef Craig Dryhurst from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Book Trust Hawaii provides low-income elementary school keiki an opportunity to select and own books of their own choosing. Research shows this results in better reading skills, greater family engagement and fosters life-long learning.

During 2018-19 school year, BTH empowered over 5,000 students at 14 Title 1 schools to select two to three books each month. This allowed each keiki to build a personal library of up to 20 books each.

“Each year, thousands of children from low-income families in Hawaii start school without ever having owned a book,” notes BTH Director Katie McMillan. “In areas of poverty, the ratio of books to children is just one book for every 300 children.

“Book Trust is changing that. We want every child to have an opportunity to fall in love with reading, and have access to a brighter future.”

Not only does BTH help build home libraries full of books keiki want to read, it also helps teachers use those books in the classroom to build healthy habits of reading and learning.

In one school year, of those keiki who participate in the BTH program, the percentage of students reading at grade level jumps from 31 percent to 59 percent.

One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the BTH Extravaganza: The Odyssey goes towards supporting the literacy program.

Tickets are $175 per person for a standard table, $250 for premier open seating. Full tables may also be purchased for $1,750 for a standard table of eight people, or $2,500 for reserved seating with VIP  service for eight people.

For more information about the event, to inquire about event sponsorship or to purchase tickets, call McMillan at 283-4120 or email kmcmillan@booktrust.org. Tickets may also be purchaed online at bit.ly/extravaganza2019.

For more information about the Book Trust organization, visit www.booktrust.org.

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