After a two-year hiatus, the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries is back! Because we can’t safely have our annual in-person Words & Wine gala yet, we decided to do something different this year. A virtual Tailgate Party and Auction! While we plan to go back to our in-person Words & Wine gala once it’s safe for all, we look forward to having you join us at this year’s Reading the Playbook Tailgate Party and Auction on Saturday 4/30/22 featuring recently retired NFL wide receiver and children’s book author Malcolm Mitchell. During this hour-long fun-filled party, you’ll not only learn about the amazing work that our libraries do but will have the chance to support homework centers and youth literacy initiatives through several exciting auctions. DID YOU KNOW? 25% of adults in Monterey County are functionally illiterate and only 27% of 3rd grade students met or exceeded the state standards in English and Language Arts/Literacy in 2019? You can help change this! We invite you to join us as a sponsor to entertain clients and friends while supporting the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries. Individual and corporate investors, along with our event sponsors, provide financial and in-kind support and all proceeds go toward supporting literacy programs, which reach over 48,000 individuals annually through free Homework Centers, free Summer Reading Programs, and others. About Malcolm Mitchell Malcolm Mitchell developed a love of reading during college. Initially, reading was a challenge, however, through perseverance, books became an avenue for expanding his curiosity, creativity, and learning. In 2015, Malcolm authored and published a children’s book, The Magician’s Hat and created a youth literacy initiative called Read with Malcolm. In 2016, he went on to establish a 501c3 organization, Share the Magic Foundation with a sole purpose: to transform children’s lives through literacy. In May 2016, Malcolm was drafted by the New England Patriots, and in February 2017 he became a Super Bowl Champion as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. Among Malcolm’s numerous awards and accomplishments, both on and off the football field, he considers discovering a love of reading one of his greatest achievements.