Our April 25 World Book Day celebration – with the theme, "Dreams Under the Serengeti" – drew 150 people to Okatie, South Carolina, for an evening marked by meaningful images and video, plus learning and inspiration for our mission: to make the lives of schoolchildren in rural Africa better by supplying books and building libraries. Many others participated through donations and an online auction. 

To everyone who traveled far and wide, attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered or helped bring this event to life, thank you. Your presence, generosity and belief in our mission transformed a single gathering into something far more meaningful: a shared commitment to protecting and celebrating the importance of dreams and the power of a book.

To our donors and sponsors, your support fuels our work today and ensures its continuity for tomorrow. Your investment is not only financial. It is a vote of confidence in the impact we are making together, from education and conservation to research and outreach. We are deeply grateful for your trust and partnership. 

To our vendors and partners, thank you for lending your expertise and professionalism. Your behind-the-scenes efforts helped create an experience that was both seamless and special, allowing our guests to focus on connection, purpose and impact. Many of you complimented our superb emcee, Teresa Zito of Giving4Good Events. Thank you, Teresa!

To the remarkable staff of Port Royal Sound Foundation, thank you for hosting us the last Saturday in April every year. It is an honor to showcase our Lowcountry beauty through your venue. 

To our volunteers, you are the quiet force that makes bold things possible. From planning and preparation to welcoming guests and lending helping hands wherever needed, your generosity of time and spirit does not go unnoticed. We are so fortunate to have you as part of our community.

To our board members, and to all supporters and friends, near and far, thank you for walking alongside us. Whether this was your first time engaging with our mission or you have supported us for years, you are a vital part of our story and impact.

Together, we are building something lasting. I am deeply proud of what we accomplished together and even more inspired by what lies ahead.

We are grateful for your comments about our World Book Day celebration. Here are some examples:

"I wanted to thank you sincerely for the opportunity to attend your fabulous gala on Saturday. Everything was wonderful, and it could not have been a more perfect evening. Honestly, it was the best gala I have been to in a very long time."

"Thanks for hosting such a wonderful event. (We) had a fantastic time and got to celebrate with friends. If you keep these up, we may soon have our house decorated with artwork from Libraries for Kids events. Kudos on a job well done."

"You did a marvelous job. I told the young lady (Teresa Zito) who was the master of ceremonies that she did an outstanding job."

With sincere thanks and appreciation,

Laura Winkel, Chief Executive Officer

Libraries for Kids International's 5th Annual World Book Day Celebration an inspiring, uplifting event

sent her to a primary boarding school, far from her home, because local schools did not offer the education they wanted for her. "That decision gave me access to something powerful -- access to learning, to books and to an environment that nurtured my dreams," Otieno said. "Education carried me forward. It opened doors. It shaped who I am." She completed a master's degree, moved to the United States and is working on a second master's degree.

"For many children, especially in underserved communities, something as simple as a book can be the beginning of a dream. A book can open a window to a world they’ve never seen. It can spark curiosity, confidence and imagination. It can help a child believe that their future can be bigger than their present," she said.

Libraries for Kids International is "sending possibility and building dreams," through its mission, she told attendees.

"I encourage all of us to remember: When we invest in education, we are investing in dreams. And, when we invest in dreams, we are shaping the future -- not just for individuals, but for communities and generations to come," Otieno added.

Watch this space next month for a complete report of your gifts to our cause. Also, be sure to save the date for our next World Book Day celebration: Saturday, April 24, 2027. We hope to see you there!

Watch our recap video. More next month.

Our keynote speaker was Kika Otieno, left, born and raised in Kenya and now, a data analyst at USAA, an insurance and financial services company. "Standing here at an event dedicated to sending books back to Kenya feels deeply personal to me. It’s more than a cause -- it’s a full-circle moment," she said. Because her parents believed in the power of education, Otieno explained that they

Event photos and video by Jean-Marie Cote, Shannon Kahl and Jess Mangano

'Dreams Under the Serengeti' sponsors

Thank you!