Literacy Services of Wisconsin Raises $124,770 at Annual Illuminating Literacy Gala
MILWAUKEE – On May 28, Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW) hosted its annual fundraising gala, Illuminating Literacy, which raised an estimated $124,770 to support its adult education programs. The event celebrated student achievement and highlighted how access to education creates new opportunities for adult learners and their families.
Nearly 300 supporters gathered to champion LSW’s mission to provide access to quality basic education and skills training so adults can improve their lives, enrich their families, and strengthen our community.
“Our gala is about more than just raising funds; it is about sharing our students’ glowing achievements and recognizing the dedicated volunteers who guide them every day,” said Holly McCoy-Perez, Executive Director of Literacy Services of Wisconsin. “Every learner who walks through our doors brings determination and a desire for opportunity. This evening reflects the confidence and independence that education creates.”
The evening featured a high-energy live art auction where five acclaimed Milwaukee artists – Melissa Dorn, Renee Bebeau, Paula DeStefanis, Yesi Pérez, and Ann Baer – created original, large-scale works in real time. Guests witnessed the creative process firsthand during the cocktail hour before the finished pieces were auctioned to support LSW’s educational initiatives.
The evening’s awards program highlighted the transformative impact of adult education through the stories of four scholarship recipients whose perseverance and academic achievements embody LSW’s mission. The 2026 scholarship awardees included:
- Tinisha Brown: A hardworking healthcare professional with 15 years of experience who recently earned her high school credential after persevering through her math exams. She is now pursuing an associate degree in respiratory therapy.
- Oscar Lucas Alejos: An English Language Learner who balanced full-time work with rigorous studies to earn his certified nursing assistant (CNA) diploma. He plans to become a nurse and medical interpreter to assist Spanish-speaking patients.
- Rita Hernandez: A graduate of the YouthBuild HSED program and a trained CNA. Driven by a desire to set an example for her son, she will begin her studies to become a dental hygienist in fall 2026.
- Shakila Salim: A Rohingya refugee from Malaysia who brought remarkable resilience to her studies. Utilizing her multilingual skills, she is beginning her journey at MATC to become a registered nurse.
LSW also recognized a standout volunteer who exemplifies the organization’s dedicated volunteer community: Randy Dean, a retired executive director turned math tutor, was honored for his service. Randy is deeply grateful to serve students determined to create better futures for themselves and finds that the life lessons learned from students sharing their challenging journeys are powerful, humbling, and indelible.
All proceeds from the event will support essential educational resources and skills training for the more than 1,200 adult learners LSW serves annually across Southeastern Wisconsin, helping individuals earn their GED or HSED, prepare for career advancement, and strengthen foundational skills.
About Literacy Services of Wisconsin:
Founded in 1965, Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW) is the leading provider of adult literacy education in Southeastern Wisconsin. At LSW, we partner with adults to provide access to essential educational resources and skills training. Our programs empower individuals to gain foundational knowledge, open doors to career opportunities, and create lasting change within their families and communities. Every adult deserves the chance to grow and succeed, and LSW is here to help make that possible. Each year, LSW transforms the lives of over 1,200 adult learners and has served more than 30,000 adults since opening its doors.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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