Literacy Academy Collective opened the first public school in the nation for students with dyslexia.
A Toast to Five Years
Wednesday, November 18
419 Lafayette, NYC6:00–9:00pm
Join us to celebrate five years of impact, and raise a glass to benefit the next five and beyond!
Why this evening matters
Five years ago, a group of parents set out to do what no one else had done: open the first public school in the nation built for students with dyslexia.
Tonight we raise a glass to what followed — two schools, students reading who were told they never would, and a statewide effort to change how New York teaches reading.
How far the next five years reach is up to the people in this room.
Our Honorees
LAC proudly honors two leaders who have widened the path for students who learn differently.
This evening's full program and speakers will be announced here as details are confirmed.
Host Committee
Host Committee members give or help raise $5,000 or more by inviting new friends to the cause.
Benefit Co-Chairs
- Rachael Bachleda
- Ingrid Bateman
Host Committee
- Sian Edwards-Beal
- Mark* and Borbala Cox
- Gail Eilers
- Julie Berkun Fajgenbaum
- Katie Firth
- Jo Flattery
- Elissa and Bill Johnson
- Ruth Genn and Stacey Shurgin
- Jessica Henry
- Jennifer Keller
- Jeannine Kiely*
- Becca Kong
- Emily Leish
- Steve Miller and Carly Baxter
- Meisha Porter*
- Andy Rafal* & Leslie Alkalay
- Roxana Reid*
- Kimeran Daley Reinhart
- Jordin Ruderman
- Rachel Schneider
- Aubrey Shipway and Dave Miller
- Anna Toomey
- Betsy Wagner
- Jamie Williamson*
- Magdalena Zavalia
* Member of the Literacy Academy Collective Board of Directors
List in formation. Updated as of September 18.
Email us to join the Host Committee:
Our Sponsors
With gratitude to the individuals and organizations underwriting the evening.
Co-Chair
- Rachael Bachleda
- Ingrid Bateman
Visionary
- Mark and Borbala Cox
- Andy Rafal & Leslie Alkalay
Trailblazer
- Anonymous
- Ruth Genn and Stacey Shurgin
- Steve Miller and Carly Baxter
- Magdalena Zavalia
Advocate
- Gail Eilers
- Julie Berkun Fajgenbaum
- Jessica Henry
- John Marino
Supporter
- Jill Lauren / Whole Phonics
Friend
- Nina Chaifetz
- Stephanie & Aaron Goldman
- Linda L Hellstrom
- Jenn Rudd
- Jordin Ruderman
List in formation. Updated as of September 18.
Ticket & Sponsorship Info
Sponsors are recognized by level, receive tickets, contribute a tribute journal ad, and underwrite community attendance.
Sponsor Packages
Ticket Packages
Frequently asked questions
Email fiveyears@literacyacademycollective.org with event questions, and we'll follow up personally.
How do I purchase a tribute journal ad?
Tribute journal placements are included with every sponsorship level and full-price ticket option. If you cannot attend but would like to place an ad, first select a package to make your gift. After checkout, please email us at fiveyears@literacyacademycollective.org to release your tickets.
Where is the event, and how do I get there?
419 Lafayette, a loft space in NoHo at 419 Lafayette St, New York, NY, between Astor Place and East 4th Street. It is a short walk from the 6 at Astor Place, the R/W at 8th Street–NYU, and the B/D/F/M at Broadway–Lafayette. Rideshare drop-off on Lafayette is easiest. 419lafayette.com
Can I give through a Donor-Advised Fund?
Yes, in part. DAF funds can only be used for contributions that are not made in exchange for goods or services. Please directly purchase tickets that you will use ($250/ticket) online. The balance of your sponsorship gift can be paid by Donor Advised Fund.
Can I pay by check?
Yes. Sponsorships may be paid online or by check made payable to Literacy Academy Collective. Please mail checks to 66 Crosby St, Suite 6E, New York, NY 10012, and email us to confirm your level.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Literacy Academy Collective is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Sponsorships and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law, less the fair market value of $175 per ticket used. A written acknowledgment with the deductible amount follows every gift.
Why LAC
Literacy Academy Collective's goal is to break the cycle of illiteracy in New York. We're building a citywide network of public schools that bring evidence-based, structured literacy to students at the intersection of race, poverty, and disability. And we're driving statewide policy change, so future literacy teachers are trained with proven methods.
- 95%
- Of students have the ability to learn to read
- 30%
- Of New York fourth graders read at a proficiency level
South Bronx Literacy Academy
When reading becomes easier, everything changes.
- 70%
- Of last year's fourth graders now make typical or above progress
- 2–3x
- The expected rate at which students gain foundational reading skills
Your support changes lives across New York
- Lighthouse Public SchoolSouth Bronx Literacy Academy opened in 2023 at 2nd grade, now opening middle school in 2026.
- Network of Literacy AcademiesWe're growing and learning. Central Brooklyn opened in 2025. Our vision is five schools by 2030.
- Classrooms across NYCOur summer academies and after-school programs educate students and teachers at once.
- Statewide System ChangeLAC is leading a statewide policy initiative to change teacher preparation standards and programs.
Your gift at work
$50,000
Co-Chair
Allows ten LAC students to receive specialized literacy instruction for the full year.
$25,000
Visionary
Allows ten students to participate in our Summer Literacy Academy.
$10,000
Trailblazer
Covers books and materials for an entire grade of students.
$5,000
Advocate
Covers the cost of training ten LAC teachers.
$2,500
Supporter
Covers uniforms and backpacks for fifty LAC students.
Wednesday, November 18 · 419 Lafayette, NYC
Join us for the Toast
Reserve your tickets or choose a sponsorship level — every gift expands literacy for New York City students.
Questions? fiveyears@literacyacademycollective.org