LitNet Honors Board Member John Toole At "A Celebration of Friends"
The annual gala also honors the commitment of both English-language learners and tutors.
The LitNet Board of Directors. Photos by Toni Buckley
Submitted by Literacy Network of South Berkshire
On Friday, September 20, donors, board members, staff, volunteer tutors, and representatives from local organizations gathered for “A Celebration of Friends,” Literacy Network’s (LitNet’s) Annual Fundraising Event, which was held at Amici Restaurant in West Stockbridge. Guests mingled beneath glittering bistro lights on the restaurant’s porch, enjoying Italian cocktails, charcuterie, and signature pasta dishes. The evening was an opportunity to celebrate and support LitNet’s mission of “transforming the lives of adult learners, both immigrant and U.S.-born, through the power of literacy, education, and advocacy.”
The evening’s honoree was John Toole. For 44 years, Toole has maintained and grown his family business as president of Toole Insurance Agency (now Acrisure). He has served on the board of many Berkshire organizations, coached youth sports, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the LitNet. Guest speakers included learners enrolled in LitNet’s services along with their volunteer tutors.
In 2024, LitNet has served close to 300 adults who live throughout the Berkshire community. Ninety percent are immigrants working on English language skills or towards U.S. citizenship.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
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