Liz McFadden, the president and CEO of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, was the guest speaker.
By
Jessica Salmond
| 12:00 a.m. March 12, 2015
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The Literacy Council of Sarasota gathered at Michael's on East Thursday, March 12, to give out awards and listen to guest speaker Liza McFadden, the president and CEO of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Barbara Bush recored a special video for the Sarasota group.
Denis Rodriguez, a native of Cuba who has been living in Sarasota for several years, also spoke to the audience about his experiences with the organization. He said when he first came to Sarasota and did not speak or understand English well, his church recommended the council. Through hard work with a volunteer tutor, Rodriguez said he gained confidence and now owns his own home, got a full-time position at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, opened a bank account and purchased a car because the language barrier was lifted.
"I feel I am well on my way to the American dream," he said, while receiving a standing ovation.
Timm and Diane Trettin, Dennis Stover and Phil King
Chuck and Robyn Citrin with the Villa family, Jenny, Juliana and Mauricio, center, and Yvonne and Jean Dumas, far right.
Tom Melville, executive director, and Denis Rodriguez, one of the program's adult learners
Bob and Eileen Parkinson and Shon Ewens
Carol Darling and James Duffy with Roxie Jerde, who received the Friends of the Literacy Council award.
Jeffery Kin and Diana Harrington
Tom Melville, Liza McFadden and James Duffy
Kat Wilson and Carol Darling
Mary Beth Bos and Diane Trettin
Kim Binkley Seyer, Dennis Stover and Marjorie Floyd
Barbara Bush recorded a short video for the Literacy Council.
Everyone attending the luncheon received "My Father, My President."
Robyn Citrin, Liza McFadden and Diane Trettin
Diana Harrington provided entertainment during the social period before lunch.
Jeffery Kin, the master of ceremonies and artistic director of Players Theatre, welcomes Denis Rodriguez.
Denis Rodriguez received a standing ovation for his success story.
Denis Rodriguez said the Literacy Council was helping him to achieve the American dream.
Executive director Tom Melville and Ricki Mazzulo
Kathryn Scott and Dr. Lisa Green
James Duffy and Carol Darling with Jolley Siegwald, center, who received the volunteer of the year award.
Jeffery Kin made some light-hearted jokes about contributing to the cause.
