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1Dear Esteemed Guests,Welcome to Literacy Pittsburgh’s One Big Table: An International Tasting! We are beyond excited tohave you with us as we celebrate this remarkable event. Our heartfelt thanks go to our generoussponsors, restaurant collaborators, entertainers, artisans, volunteers, dedicated staff, and, ofcourse, to each one of you for your commitment to making this evening unforgettable.As we enjoy a global culinary experience and dynamic performances, we celebrate the power ofcommunity and learning. At Literacy Pittsburgh, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusiveenvironment where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their educational goals, no matter theirbackground.Your support of One Big Table directly impacts individuals in our community. Proceeds from thisevent allow us to provide high-quality educational programs, caring teachers, and trained volunteersto help individuals earn their GED, improve English fluency, secure employment, and gain U.S.citizenship. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to expand our reach and serve more people throughoutthe region.As we look to the future, we are inspired by the incredible potential for growth and the impact wecan continue to have on the lives of the people we serve. The need for the services we provide hasnever been more urgent. In a time when many individuals face barriers to education, employment,and citizenship, Literacy Pittsburgh remains a vital resource, empowering adults to achieve theirgoals and build better lives for themselves and their families. Our commitment to supportingindividuals who are working to overcome challenges such as limited literacy, language barriers, andunemployment is more important than ever.Tonight’s celebration is a testament to what we’ve accomplished and a glimpse of the work yet tocome. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to this important cause. Together, we areempowering individuals and strengthening our community.WELCOMESincerely, Carey A. Harris CEO, Literacy Pittsburgh
Spotlight onSUCCESSMELISSA“I lost my job and I wanted to make sure mycomputer skills were up to date,” Melissa says. “Now, I’ll be working with clients as a CareerNavigator, helping them to make sure that theyhave what they need to be successful in the jobmarket.”She learned from PA CareerLink® that Literacy Pittsburgh offered freecomputer classes. She took a variety of classes including Google Docs andLinkedIn, and she improved her typing skills. Melissa hopes to get herMicrosoft Office Specialist certificate in Excel.“I’m loving class,” Melissa says. “Excel is a major part of my new job and thisclass can benefit me in future jobs.” She’s especially grateful that ourteachers take the time needed to make sure students understood. Melissa looks forward to helping people succeed in her new role and she hascome full circle: Her new position is housed at the PA CareerLink® offices.“This is where my heart is,” Melissa says.”I want to be able to help people andteach them how to have the tools to be successful in life and move on.” •3
Arepittas Chicken Latino El Chucho PGHEl Rincon Oaxaqueno Geppetto CafeGrapow PittsburghHot Mama’s PierogiesIstituto Mondo ItalianoKabob Mob La Palapa La PrimaLittle Athens Catering Madsen DonutsTHANK YOU TO OUR RESTAURANT PARTNERS Please thank them with your business on your next night out! 4CLICK ON THE RESTURANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM! Mercearia Brasil Mini MarketNosh & CurdPopWorld Rice n’ Stew CoSaucy African FoodsSenyai Thai KitchenShadoBeniTamarind Exotic India Tana Ethiopian India Taqueria AcostaThe Colombian SpotThe NookTurkish Cultural CenterRESTAURANT PARTNERS
UNIVERSAL ALLY INTERNATIONAL FRIEND WORLD AMBASSADORS 5SPONSORSFLAVORS UNVEILED SPONSOR
OBT PARTNERSRESTAURANT SPONSORSEat’n Park Hospitality Group Jackson Lewis P.CNJM Insurance Group LIBATION SPONSORSMARKET SPONSORPittsburgh Post-GazettePittsburgh Regional TransitRaymond James Birmingham FoundationCarnegie Library of PittsburghClarkhill PLC EAS Carpenters Goodwill of Southwestern PAHenderson Brothers Smithfield Trust6SPONSORSMEDIA SPONSOR
HOST COMMITTEEEVENT CHAIRSCHAIRMAN COMMITTEEPLANNING COMMITTEEKatie O’Connor & Corey O’ConnorSteve SokoloskiRichard Heiser Kathleen M. Sullivan Scott and Leslie BakerAndrea Clark SmithGina CarlosJackie PhillipsJennifer and Terry StyranJennifer RapachJulie DeSeynKevin KinrossMichael Lamb Mimi Fairman Nancy Crouthamel Outside AngleRebecca RoadmanScott BartlettShawna JohnsonSteven AngeloVerna CoreyYaqi Wo7COMMITTEESEllen Duffield Posner FoundationDerick StalkerKaty Rittle
8ARTIST MARKETThe Artist Market at One Big Table is more than just a shopping experience, it’s a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and community. Every purchase directlysupports local artisans, many of whom are immigrants, small businesses orformer Literacy Pittsburgh students, as they build their businesses and sharetheir talents with the world.ARTIST MARKET FINDS Phoza Handmade CostaRicArt Hippie’s Urban ArtYou Can Call Me YokoMinimo Jewelry Penny Lang DesignsClementinaTen Thousand Villages University of PittsburghNationality Rooms Handmade jewelry from natural materialsHandmade goods from reused materials: jewelry,wallets, journals, stickers, keychainsHandmade jewelry, wooden painted statues Handmade stone and bead jewelrySimple, stylish, handcrafted pieces Paper goods, notecards, itty bitty books,bookmarks, journalsHandmade soy wax candles Handmade crafts from around the worldBooks from local authors, European gifts ARTISTS
FEELING LUCKY? Here is your chance to win a great cash prize!1ST PRIZE - $5,000 2ND PRIZE - $1,0003RD PRIZE - $500Stop by the raffle table to purchase your ticket before they are sold out. ONLY 1,000tickets will be sold. This guarantees a higher chance for you to win. WINNER WILL BEDRAWN AT 8:30pm. Need not to be present to win. $20 per ticketONLY 1,000 will be soldNEW CASH RAFFLE!9
10ENTERTAINMENTSteel City Calypso Bollywood Dance by SThe Rogues Steel City Calypso is Pittsburgh’s premier steel drum-based, Afro-Caribbean band.Their performances include everything from traditional Calypso music from the islandof Trinidad along with music from other parts of the Caribbean and Brazil to good oldAmerican Funk and Jazz.Experience the magic of storytelling through movement, expression, and vibrantculture with Bollywood Dance by S—Pittsburgh’s go-to Bollywood dance school. Theyoffer energetic and expressive Bollywood dance classes for ladies, boys, and girls,blending tradition with fun in every step. With 100+ captivating performances acrossthe city, our dancers bring stories to life through rhythm, emotion, and colorfulchoreography. Founded in Houston, Texas, in 1994 and dubbed “America’s Celtic Band,” theycreated a new genre of Celtic music with World and National champion musicians,including pipers, fiddlers, percussion, and a few odds and ends thrown in just to keepeveryone on their toes. They have performed in Scotland, Canada, Greece,Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., and countless festivals,Highland games, concert halls, public houses, private houses, and street corners allover the United States. They have produced 11 albums, 2 DVDs, their own tartan,several children, and are listed in the official Grammy book for several nominations...and that is just as an ensemble; the members, true to the spirit of the band's name,are individually distinguished musicians, performers, teachers, Guinness WorldRecord participants, and part-time Magic Lanternists. They are often imitated butnever duplicated: THE ROGUES!CLICK ON THE ENTERTAINMENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM!
Everyone is a winner!Donate $20. Tag your bottle.Return at 8:00 pm to claim yourbottle and see what you won. Thank you to Literacy Pittsburgh Boardof Directors for donating bottles of wine! WINE PULL 11PURCHASE A BAG ONLINE TODAY!
Spotlight onSUCCE S SRODCHILDRodchild came to the United States as a teenagerfrom Haiti three decades ago. He worked with ourpartner Jewish Family and Community Services tohelp him find jobs over the years. He learned about theImmigrant Workforce Program (IWP), a collaborationof JFCS and Literacy Pittsburgh, and joined the Spring2024 cohort. Through IWP, immigrant job seekers prepare for the American workforce through English lessons, digital literacy, and one-on-one career counseling.“IWP was very educational,” Rodchild explains. “I have done work in the past but I never had a chance to upgrade my resume. With IWP, I updated myresume and learned job searching.”He also had the opportunity to meet different employers. One of those wasPittsburgh Regional Transit and Rodchild was offered a postion as a bus driverwith good pay and benefits.“It was a lot easier, knowing what to expect,” Rodchild explains.He has now set his sights on becoming a U.S. citizen. “It’s not that I neverthought of becoming a U.S. citizen but the more you’re here, the more youappreciate everything. My country doesn’t offer the same freedoms.”12
Andrea Clark-Smith - PresidentUPMC Leslie Gromis Baker - Vice PresidentBuchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Danell R. Cooper, CPA - TreasurerKids VoiceScott Bartlett - SecretaryRich FoodsEarl Buford CAEL Nancy J. CrouthamelCivic Volunteer Ellen DuffieldHighmark WholecareMimi Fairman Carnegie Mellon University Rich Fitzgerald Southwestern PA Commission Ellen Freeman Freeman Immigration Law Group, PLLCRichard M. HeiserFedex GroundKevin KinrossThe Carey GroupMichael LambOf Counsel, McNeesSharlene Lewis, PhD Covestro Steve MazzaRegional Council of CarpentersTina MylesPressley Ridge Katie O’ConnorJackson Lewis P.CDr. Katy RittleLPE AssociatesRebecca RoadmanUniversity of PittsburghSteven SokoloskiHighmarkBill SouthernBlock CommunicationsJennifer StyranCarnegie Library of PittsburghKathleen M. SullivanClark Hill PLCErin WeberRaymond JamesYaqi WoPPG13BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PresidentHillary DeFrancescoFamilylinks, Inc.Asfi Tazwar AminHello NeighborAlexandra BoyerO’Hagan MeyerDustin ButoryakCommonplace Coffee Abby CarpenterUPMC Children’s Hospital of PittsburghNicole CerilliBNY Brenda CzakeAmerican EagleLauren EwingHighmark HealthIzzy ZehnerHoward HannaYOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD
Volunteering as a Literacy Pittsburgh tutor gives you the chance to meet inspiringpeople with diverse experiences. You will see firsthand the impact of your actions!As a Literacy Pittsburgh tutor, you will:Teach an adult reading, writing and math, or English.Attend a free two-part training prior to volunteering.Commit to working with your student for at least 6 months.Teach twice a week for 1.5 to 2 hours each time.Be age 18 or older and possess a high school credential or higher.Meet your student at times and in places convenient to both of you.MAKE A DIFFERENCE. VOLUNTEER TODAY.Watch the overview video and sign upfor volunteer tutor training today!Receive support from a staff memberassigned to you.Have opportunities for coaching andadditional training.Make a difference in someone’s life!
Literacy Pittsburgh’s Conversation PartnersProgram welcomes groups of employees fromour corporate supporters to help our studentsengage in everyday conversation with fluentEnglish speakers. These sessions reinforce whatthe students are learning, build confidence, andhelp move them closer to their personal andprofessional goals. Email Christine Dickey atcdickey@literacypittsburgh.org to learn more.MAKE A DIFFERENCE. VOLUNTEER TODAY!17LOOKING FOR CORPORATE VOLUNTEEROPPORTUNITIES?CORPORATE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
18COOKBOOK BRING THE TASTE HOME!Explore the diverse array of recipes inLiteracy Pittsburgh’s cookbook, featuringfavorites from our students, staff, andvolunteers. From delectable dinners to tantalizingtreats, there’s something for everyone totry. Spice up your cooking and supportLiteracy Pittsburgh by purchasing a copytoday. ONLY $10 PURCHASE YOUR COOKBOOK ONLINE HEREPlease note: Photography and filming are taking place at this event. If you don’twant to be included, please let a member of the Literacy Pittsburgh team know.Consent: I give my permission to Literacy Pittsburgh to use photos/captions/audio/video of me at this event in communications including, but not limited to,newsletters, publications, marketing, press releases, websites, briefings,mailings, social media and audio-visual productions. BUY ONE ONLINE FOR $12 (with shipping) AND GET ONE DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.STOP BY THECOOKBOOK TABLE TOGRAB YOUR VERY OWNLITERACY PITTSBURGHCOOKBOOK
19COOKBOOK FEATURESWEET TAGINE Ingredients 1/2 lb. lamb (or more for larger group)1 liter water1 tbsp ghee1 cup sugarCinnamon to taste 1 cup dried fruits and nuts (prunes,apricots, almonds, raisins)2 tbsp orange blossom water ( found inMediterranean or Middle Eastern grocerystores)Almonds for garnish Note: Sweet tagine or plumstagine is one of the popular dishesin Algeria (Maghreb) and is famousfor its delightful taste. It’s aspecial dish in Ramadan. Peopleeat this dish to regain their energyafter fasting. - The Beldjenna Family Student and Family, South Hills To learn how to cook this recipe or totry other ones, check out our cookbooktable or purchase one online. Ingredients 500g of cubed lamb or beef1 jalapeno pepper1 bunch of cilantro 1 kiwi 4 cloves of garlic1 ginger roothalf cup of oilsalt, pepper, paprika, cumin seed,coriander, turmeric, special kebabspices1 spoonful of yogurt (optional)half cup of lemon juice 2 cups of onion juice Note: This recipe fromAfghanistan that is great forparties!- Sana Tayeb Student, Downtown CenterAFGHANI KEBAB RECIPETo learn how to cook this recipe or totry other ones, check out our cookbooktable or purchase one online.
Spotlight onSUCCESSVOLODYMYRVolodymyr is a multilingual, international award-winning author, translator, and literary and filmcritic from Ukraine. He was invited to Pittsburgh in2023 by City of Asylum, a residency program forartists living in exile under threat of persecution.For almost 30 years, Volodymyr wrote his works inRussian but dedicated himself to fully Ukrainianexpression as an act of resistance.Volodymyr began attending English classes at Literacy Pittsburgh in April2024. “Language is a necessity to me,” he says. “My classes with Amandaare a joy, although it is a difficult joy for me." In November, Volodymyr informed his teacher that he would be missing a dayof class to go to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to see his novel, “Signals ofBeing,” brought to life on stage. “Signals of Being” is based on Volodymyr’sexperience of fleeing the Russian occupation of Ukraine. He describes theplay as a documentary based on the dialogue and observations between thirtycharacters trying desperately to connect with loved ones.Read more about Volodmyr in the News section of our website.20
21A Literacy Luminary is a special type of donor. Withyour monthly investment, you are joining a communitydedicated to sustaining Literacy Pittsburgh’s mission tocreate better lives through learning. Through ourLiteracy Luminaries program, you have a secure,flexible way to support Literacy Pittsburgh and itsstudents that works for your budget and schedule.Recurring gifts are convenient, customizable,environmentally friendly, and they help to ensure steadyfunding for Literacy Pittsburgh's student programs.CLICK TO BECOME A LITERACY LUMINARY TODAYLIGHT THE WAY FOR OUR STUDENTS
22Education changes lives. Every day, students come toLiteracy Pittsburgh looking for a fresh start—whetherthey’re refugees learning English, parents earning theirGED to support their family, or job seekers gaining theskills needed for a new career.But right now, hundreds of students are waiting to enroll.With more people seeking our services than ever before,your support ensures that no one is turned away.Your gift today helps individuals:Learn English and build confidenceEarn a GED and open doors to better jobsBecome U.S. citizens and engaged communitymembersGain the skills needed to support their familiesTake the next step toward college or a career.You’ve seen the impact. Melissa used our digital literacyclasses to build her career. Rodchild found jobopportunities through our immigrant workforce program.Volodymyr embraced learning English as a tool forcommunity and creativity. These successes are possibledue to your support and generosity. MAKE A GIFT TODAY!MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY AND CREATETHE NEXT SUCCESS STORY.READ MORESTUDENTSTORIES HERE MAKE A DIFFERENCE. DONATE TODAY!
As you may know, Governor Shapiro’s proposedFY26 budget includes a much-needed increasefor Adult and Family Literacy. This funding is asignificant resource that Literacy Pittsburgh relieson to provide programming to students and tosupport tutors. In fact, the increase representsthe complete restoration of funding to the pre-2007 level of $23 million. (Yes, we’ve beenwaiting a long time for this increase!)XWANT ANOTHER WAY TO HELP OURSTUDENTS? Be an Advocate for Adult and Family Literacy!Please help Literacy Pittsburgh and our adult education colleagues across Pennsylvania build support forthe Governor’s proposed increase. Here is what you can do: Send a thank-you note to Governor Shapiro, thanking him for his proposed increase. Tell him why LiteracyPittsburgh’s work matters to you. Contact the Governor here. Reach out to your State legislators and urge them to support the Governor’s proposed increase in thebudget negotiations. Tell them why Literacy Pittsburgh’s work matters to you. Find your legislators here. Not sure what to say? Here are some points you can include in an email, letter, or phone conversation: Urge them to support Governor Shapiro’s proposed $6.4 million (39.4%) increase in the Department ofEducation’s Adult and Family Literacy line item in the Commonwealth’s FY ‘25-26 budget negotiations Share what resonates most with you about Literacy Pittsburgh’s work. With Pennsylvania facing a decline in the number of working-age adults, we must find ways to ensure thatno Pennsylvanian is left behind. The 1.6 million working-age adults who struggle with literacy and basicskills, as well as the 627,000 who lack a high school credential, can be part of the solution. All they need isa chance to access educational services to build their skills.Adult and Family Literacy education in Pennsylvania is an entry point into the state’s workforcedevelopment systems for thousands of Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania’s investment in Adult and Family Literacy education is helping thousands go from learning toearning and contributing to our region’s prosperity. What not to say: Please avoid sharing opinions about immigration or the current presidentialadministration. Find interesting data and stories at the Educate and Elevate website.