Fundraiser well-attended
BUTLER TWP — Tank shells, Civil War memorabilia and dollhouses were just some of the items on display Sunday for a luncheon fundraiser at Butler County Community College.
The Rotary Club of Butler PM held its fourth annual Luncheon for Literacy in Founder's Hall to raise money for the college's Adult Literacy Program.
Participants were invited to bring one book per group of six and to decorate their table in the theme of the book's subject matter.
In total, 250 guests spread across 36 tables attended the event, making it the most well-attended luncheon. Money raised from the event will be used for literacy programs, including classes on basic computer skills, math, financial literacy, tutoring and English as a second language.
Various organizations participated in the luncheon, including the Junior Women's Club, whose members dressed in 19th century garb in honor of their selected book “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. Their table featured Civil War memorabilia, including shoes from that time period. Further down the room, a table adorned with daisies displayed a book called “Picking Daisy,” by Kimberly Miller, a Butler County resident
“I'm really impressed with these tables. They're just so gorgeous,” said Miller, sitting at her table. “Promoting literacy is a great cause so I'm glad to be part of it.”Miller teaches film and writing courses at Grove City College and writes novels on the side.To illustrate the importance of the literacy program, the organizers invited a recent GED graduate to speak.Mandi Raybuck, 42, of Cabot, received a high school equivalency diploma through Butler County Community College's adult literacy program. On Sunday, she recalled her experience.“My contempt for all things school revolved around numbers,” Raybuck said, explaining that throughout her time as a child in school she suffered from an undiagnosed condition, dyscalculia, a difficulty comprehending numbers. “I started to view school as a seriously bad relation.”Raybuck said that she had three children, the oldest of whom she had at the age of 17. As an adult she decided to work toward her GED with the literacy program.
“I discovered what angels really were in life,” Raybuck said. “My angels emerged as three beautiful women who helped me pass my GED. All of them changed my life for the better.”Since then, Raybuck said she has gone on to accomplish a number of things, including writing a short story that was published in a collection of stories for Chicken Soup for the Soul titled “Angel's all around us.”Raybuck's speech ended with a standing ovation from the audience.Barb Gade, the grant director for the adult literacy program, said events like Sunday's are important to restore funds needed to run the program.“This totally supports us,” Gade said.The funds, she said, help to pay for the GED test fees for program participants. The test costs $120, which the program covers for its participants. Gade said that they also provide practice tests for the students to prepare them.“I can't thank those ladies enough,” Gade said.
