Aspire Education, an Oakland-based nonprofit dedicated to youth literacy and mentorship, will host its annual fundraising event, Creating Leaders & Readers, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. hosted by Sabre Foods at a beautiful outdoor garden in Oakland. The community is invited to raise a glass in support of Bay Area youth.
Every year, 2 of every 3 low-income Bay Area kindergarteners arrive at school already behind in reading. It’s a problem that can follow a child for life: kids who don’t catch up by third grade are four times less likely to graduate high school. At the same time, teens face a different kind of gap: a lack of accessible leadership and skill-building opportunities.
For more than 30 years, Aspire Education’s Community Reading Buddies (CRB) program has created both “readers and leaders” by training teens to serve as one-on-one literacy mentors for elementary students. Research shows that children’s motivation to read and how they see themselves as readers are among the strongest predictors of long-term literacy success.
“It’s inspiring to see teens step into leadership roles within their communities and serve as positive role models for younger students. At a time when many young people are feeling isolated, our CRB program is doubling down on the power of relationships to drive positive changes in the lives of young people and strengthen local communities, “ says Monica Chellam, Aspire Education Executive Director.
The “Creating Leaders & Readers” event will feature a curated wine tasting sponsored by Terra Firma Wine Company, along with delicious bites and beverages, and an opportunity for guests to learn more about Aspire Education’s programs firsthand. All proceeds directly benefit Aspire Education’s mission to expand access to high-quality educational mentorship for underserved communities.
Come celebrate and hear about the power of relationships to strengthen our community. Your tickets and donations help to fund this unique dual-impact program that makes it all possible.
Get tickets here
About Aspire Education
Aspire Education is an Oakland-based nonprofit that delivers accessible, high-quality educational mentorship to underserved communities across the Bay Area. Its flagship dual-impact program, Community Reading Buddies (CRB), mobilizes and trains teens to serve as literacy mentors for younger students, strengthening reading confidence, skills, and personal growth for both. Learn more here.