More than 100 educators, parents, and community leaders gathered on June 10 at the Harbour Club for "Cocktails for a Cause," an event focused on addressing the literacy crisis in Charleston and South Carolina. With nearly two-thirds of students in the state struggling to read proficiently, the need for effective teaching methods in classrooms has become urgent. A report by the National Council on Teacher Quality indicates that teachers typically receive less than two hours of training in their preparation programs specifically for reading instruction.

The evening highlighted successful initiatives, particularly the Lowcountry Literacy Project, which trains educators in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach—a research-based, systematic method aligned with reading science. Featured panelists included educators and literacy leaders who shared their experiences and insights, focusing on the transformative impact of this training on student outcomes.

One poignant moment came from Christi Ascue Kershaw, who recounted her struggles in finding effective reading intervention programs for her daughter, illustrating the personal stakes involved in literacy education. Catherine Hagberg presented data showcasing the effectiveness of the OG interventions, where 97% of students at a partner school achieved their English Language Arts growth goals, with over half of those students coming from poverty-stricken backgrounds.

Lindsey Ballenger, Co-Founder and Board Chair, emphasized the importance of investing in educators to ensure that every child has the opportunity to become a confident reader, regardless of their background.

The event was moderated by Octavia Mitchell, an award-winning anchor, and also featured a trailer for an upcoming documentary that captures the essence and achievements of the Lowcountry Literacy Project. The full documentary is expected to premiere in the fall.

The Ideal Life Foundation sponsored educator tickets, prioritizing the inclusion of those closest to the grassroots literacy efforts. One of the event’s highlights was a group photo of the dedicated educators at the forefront of this movement in Charleston County.

For further information, visit the Lowcountry Literacy Project here.