More than 280 community members gathered on June 12 at the Tebala Event Center for Tea for Tomorrow: Building a Tradition of Literacy, an event hosted by United Way of Rock River Valley to spotlight the urgent literacy crisis in Winnebago County—and mobilize action.
Tea for Tomorrow
At the heart of the event was a sobering statistic: only one in three public school children in Winnebago County read at grade level by third grade. This benchmark is critical. Research consistently links third-grade reading proficiency to academic achievement, long-term economic stability, and a lower risk of involvement with the criminal justice system.
“This is a community crisis, and it demands a community response,” said Julie Bosma, President and CEO of United Way of Rock River Valley. “Literacy impacts every part of life. When children can’t read proficiently by third grade, their chances of graduating, gaining meaningful employment, and living above the poverty line drop dramatically.”
An Important Message for All
While Tea for Tomorrow included fundraising elements, the event was designed first and foremost to educate and inspire. A keynote address by nationally recognized literacy consultant Dr. Karen Walker challenged the audience to view literacy as a shared responsibility— not just one shouldered by schools.
“Parents, employers, nonprofits, civic leaders—we all have a role to play in inspiring a lifelong love of reading,” Walker told attendees.
Poetic readings by Rockford Youth Poet Autumn Rose Smith and young writer Mariah Wrenn added emotional resonance to the program. Their powerful performances underscored both the potential of the next generation and the urgency of investing in their future.
The event celebrated other local talent as well. Authors Karla Clark, Lynn and Bryn Gibson, Barb Kohl, Ellissa Schwartz, and United Way’s own Emily Grobe held book signings and sales. A gourmet menu provided by GreenFire, along with a silent auction and 50/50 raffle, helped generate additional support for United Way’s literacy efforts.
“Our approach isn’t just about handing out books,” Bosma explained. “It’s about helping families create reading routines at home and building a culture of literacy in every neighborhood.”
“We can’t wait for someone else to fix this,” Bosma concluded. “We must do it together—parents, teachers, business leaders, community members. Literacy is the key to unlocking a stronger, safer, more prosperous community.”