On Monday, May 4, over 300 guests attended Literacy in Community’s (LINC) annual spring gala at Gotham Hall. For 30 years, LINC has worked with families, children, and community members in NYC to create a culture of literacy, ensuring that all children can thrive and reach their full potential. The annual gala celebrates LINC’s early literacy programs, staff, families, and the supporters who recognize the value and effectiveness of our programs, which advance early education equity and universal literacy.

LINC’s 2026 Spring Gala was hosted by Dan Mannarino, a 14-time Emmy Award-winning PIX 11 Anchor and Host of PIX 11 on Politics. The gala featured a live auction conducted by Helena Guindo of Christie’s, as well as a performance by the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club Junior K and K Company.

This event spotlighted the noteworthy achievements of LINC’s emerging, young readers, and their families. The 2026 gala honored two acclaimed children’s book authors of our time with the Champion for Children Award: Kwame Alexander, the Emmy Award-winning producer and bestselling author of The Crossover, and Peter Brown, the bestselling and award-winning author of The Wild Robot series.

The organization’s Mimi Levin Lieber Legacy Award was given to Tinny Weintraub, Inaugural Executive Director of LINC and literacy advocate. Named for LINC’s founder, Mimi Levin Lieber, a lifelong education justice and children’s advocate, this award is presented in recognition of exceptional service and support of the founder’s vision.

Corporate sponsors included Gibson Dunn, Fidelis Care, Sidley, AlixPartners, Deloitte, LVMH, SVM, and Tiffany & Co. LINC is proud to have the support of local, city, and state leaders.

“30 years is a lot to celebrate. Thousands and thousands of children have learned to read – and love to read – because of LINC. These past thirty years are just the beginning. We are reaching more children, and more communities. LINC has a growing voice and a growing influence across New York City.” – Shari Levine, LINC’s Executive Director

For more information about LINC, visit: https://www.lincnyc.org/ or contact Virginia Taddoni, Associate Director of Communications, LINC at vtaddoni@lincnyc.org or 212-620-5462, ext. 133.