Read Ahead's Books & Beyond Gala
Thank you for celebrating with us
Read Ahead’s annual gala raises critical funds to serve the students in our program, and recognizes and celebrates the community of supporters who help make our vision a reality.
On April 29, more than 300 Read Ahead supporters gathered at Guastavino's for an incredible evening. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us! The event may be over, but it is not too late to be a part of the story. Make a donation today to help support our mission-driven work in public schools.
Every child deserves a great story. Let's help them write it.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS WHO HELP MAKE READ AHEAD POSSIBLE
Read Ahead is dedicated to helping New York City youth strengthen the literacy and social-emotional skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Since 1991, Read Ahead has connected public elementary school students with caring mentors from leading corporate and community partners. During weekly sessions, mentors and mentees read together, discuss books and their lives, and engage in fun and educational games and activities. Read Ahead sessions are designed to help children grow their confidence, love of reading, literacy skills, and other skills essential for success.
Throughout our 30+ year history, more than 20,000 New York City children have become confident, joyful readers with the support of their Read Ahead mentor.
Our 2025 Honoree: Paul Hastings
Read Ahead is proud to honor Paul Hastings at this year's gala, and celebrate our partnership to make a positive impact in New York City schools
With widely recognized elite teams across 17 practices, Paul Hastings is a premier law firm with a culture of excellence focused on providing intellectual capital and superior execution globally to the world’s leading investment banks, asset managers and corporations.
2025 Authorship Award
Presented to the Team from P.S. 33 Chelsea Prep
Read Ahead's Authorship Award is presented annually to inspiring individuals who are writing a better story for New York City children, families, schools, and communities.
Read Ahead has been working with P.S. 33 Chelsea Prep since 1995, and we are delighted to present this year's Authorship Award to Principal Cindy Wang, Assistant Principal Danielle Remsen, Assistant Principal Josephine Hendrix-Hansen, and Community School Director Amanda Saechao.