Murphy’s Bar swaps block party for literacy push

For the twelfth consecutive year, Hawaii Literacy and Murphy’s Bar & Grill are teaming up to raise funds toward ending illiteracy in Hawaii. Replacing its popular “Pau Hana Block Party,” this year’s “Hawaii Literacy Eats With Murphy’s” is a virtual event running through the entire month of November.

Supporters may pre-purchase tickets online, redeemable for their choice of Murphy’s signature entrees for dinner or lunch: Corned Beef & Cabbage, Kalbi, or Fresh Salmon. Every meal purchased also includes a chance to win in a lucky prize drawing. Meal tickets for $40 each include a delicious meal, an entry in the drawing, and a donation to Hawaii Literacy. Family packs of 5 meals for $200 include bonus entries in the drawing. Sponsorships are also available. Visit hawaiiliteracy.org or call 537-6706 to buy tickets, inquire about sponsorships or make a donation.

Each meal purchased directly supports Hawaii Literacy’s five literacy programs that operate year-round serving Hawaii’s disadvantaged adults and children with free programs that improve literacy: Adult Literacy (1-on-1 tutoring); Family Literacy (operating libraries in Mayor Wright Homes and The Towers at Kuhio Park); the Bookmobiles (serving the Waianae coast and high-need areas on Oahu, with South Kona service planned); and English Language Learners (group classes in the Kalihi-Palama area).

“The dedicated efforts of our hundreds of volunteers, donors, community partners and staff inspire us every day to help adults, children and families better their lives and futures. Still, there’s so much more to do, especially during these difficult times,” said Jill Takasaki Canfield, Executive Director of Hawaii Literacy. “Research and our own experience tell us that people with literacy skills are better equipped to learn, more likely to complete their education, and able to compete for jobs that are increasingly difficult to secure.”

The most recent available data from the U.S. Dept. of Education indicates that 16 percent of adults in Hawaii lack basic literacy skills.  Studies indicate that poor literacy skills severely impact the economic opportunities and self-sufficiency of adults nationwide:

• 43% of people with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty.
• 70% of people with the lowest literacy skills have no job or only a part-time job.
• Adults with low literacy skills are also less likely to read to their children and are less able to access, read, and use health information.

About Hawaii Literacy

Hawaii Literacy is the state’s leading non-profit provider of free literacy and education services, offering 1-on-1 adult literacy tutoring, family libraries and after-school programs at Kuhio Park Towers and Mayor Wright Homes, English language classes, and Bookmobiles serving low-income communities. For five decades, Hawaii Literacy has trained and equipped volunteer literacy tutors to help others learn to read. Each year, over 3,000 people across Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island work to build the basic literacy skills they need to fill out a job application, read a book, help their kids with homework, and more! For more information or to get involved, please visit: http://www.hawaiiliteracy.org.