On October 30, 2024, Words Alive welcomed best-selling author Paula Hawkins to our signature Author Event & Fundraiser. Hosted at San Diego’s Julep event venue, the fundraiser ultimately brought in several thousand dollars to support Words Alive’s mission of connecting children, teens, and families with the power of reading. 250 people attended the evening’s festivities, including many of the original Words Alive volunteers and donors.
Words Alive Founder Leslye Lyons with Congressman Scott Peters
In celebration of Words Alive’s 25th anniversary, Congressman Scott Peters presented an official proclamation recognizing a quarter-century of life-changing literacy work. Accepting the proclamation on Words Alive’s behalf was founder Leslye Lyons, who expressed deep gratitude for the honor as well as the community who has powered the organization over the past 25 years.
KPBS Arts Reporter Julia Dixon Evans facilitated the evening’s conversation with Paula Hawkins, author of the best-selling book The Girl on the Train. Paula discussed her novel The Blue Hour, released just the day before the event and already named November’s Good Morning America Book Club pick. Paula discussed the complex characters she finds so interesting to explore in her novels, as well as the use of a story’s setting as its own character. She touched on her in-depth research process for her books, delving into everything from the creation of fine art to the rugged Scottish landscape.
Words Alive’s 2024 Author Event & Fundraiser truly demonstrated the power of a good book to bring people together. Thank you to all those who joined the festivities and contributed to Words Alive’s life-changing literacy work. 100% of the event’s proceeds go directly to inspiring a love of reading in the 5,000 youth and families Words Alive reaches each year.
