NEW YORK-MAY 12: Literacy Partners 2008Gala, "An Evening of Readings" Honoring Mr. & Mrs. David H. Koch for their Commitment to Adult Literacy was held on Monday, May 12, 2008 at The New York State Theatre at Lincoln Center, Columbus Avenue at 63rd Street, New York City, NY. Best selling authors, leaders of business, industry, publishing and entertainment joined forces to support adult literacy in New York City at the annual Literacy Partners Gala, "An Evening of Readings". Literacy Partners honored David and Julia Koch for their invaluable leadership, commitment and support of adult literacy. Liz Smith, Arnold Scaasi and Parker Ladd chaired this year’s gala. The event featured readings by four celebrated writers: A.J. Jacobs, The New York Times best selling author; Ann Patchett, PEN/Faulkner Award and Orange Prize winner; Azar Nafisi, author of the national bestseller Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books; and Chris Matthews, anchor of MSNBC’s "Hardball with Chris Matthews" and author of "Life's a Campaign:What Politics Has Taught Me About Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation, and Success." Dinner and dancing to The Bob Hardwick Orchestra followed the readings. Literacy Partners, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, provides free community-based adult and family literacy programs to ensure that all adults have the access to quality education needed to fully realize their potential as individuals, parents, and citizens. Literacy Partners is chaired by Peter Brown, former Beatles’ manager and president of the international public relations firm Brown Lloyd James. Media Contact: Josh Salter/Jaime Strohmenger | Linden Alschuler & Kaplan Public Relations | 1251 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 940 New York, New York 10020 | tel: 212-575-4545 | e-mail: jsalter@lakpr.com PHOTO CREDIT:©Manhattan Society.com 2008 by Gregory Partanio and Stuart Rinzler |tel:718.614.7740 | e-mail: PrinceGregory@manhattansociety.com