By Omar Jawdat, Blog Intern

Celebrating its 16th year, the Author’s Luncheon & Fundraiser is Words Alive’s signature event, which features renowned authors such as Salman Rushdie, Jodi Picoult, and Isabelle Allende! This unique event introduces patrons to to their most beloved authors, while witnessing an intimate conversation about the author’s life, writing, and featured novel, all while supporting the learning development of children, teens, and families in our community. Integrating both style and intellect, the Author’s Luncheon also offers something for everyone in our marketplace, silent auction, and opportunity drawing for a chance to win prizes! Each fall, over 600 patrons attend with the aim of supporting Words Alive.

The 16th Annual Author’s Luncheon & Fundraiser will feature novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and literary historian, Emma Donoghue! The event will take place on Tuesday, September 10 (10:00am - 2:00pm) at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.

Sponsorship Opportunities

This event would not be possible without our incredible sponsors. These organizations and individuals have gone above and beyond in their support of Words Alive and our mission. All sponsors receive recognition on our website, blog, e-newsletters, social media, and annual reports. Frequency and placement is based upon level of sponsorship. Sponsors and their guests are also invited to a special post-event VIP reception and toast!

For more details and questions, visit this website or contact Words Alive.

We Would Like to Thank All of Our Following Sponsors for Being Part of This Special Event!

Impact Sponsors

Gurtin Municipal Bond Management
- Becoming a PIMCO company in January 2019, Gurtin Municipal Bond Management is an investment management firm focused on maximizing tax-free income. Through their focused expertise in investment-grade bonds, innovative research, technology, and investment strategies, Gurtin Municipal Bond Management is committed to providing tailored municipal investment experiences, including seeking to maximize risk-adjusted returns. In the midst of a financial crisis, Bill Gurtin founded Gurtin Municipal Bond Management in the hopes of building the premier tax-exempt municipal bond management firm in the industry and making a commitment to the loyal clients that have made it possible.

Carleton Management, Inc.
- Carleton Management, Inc. is a real estate investment company with strong roots in San Diego, California. Carleton Management’s philosophy is to invest for the long-term, hold diversified properties in its portfolio, rarely sell its investments, and periodically enter into strategic development relationships. Carleton Management, Inc.’s San Diego roots date back to the 1920s, when Isaac Ratner, a cap manufacturer, moved his wife and family of six children from New York City. The company had originally started as a clothing business, particularly for naval uniforms and officers’ caps during World War II. Soon after, the company became the largest manufacturing company of clothing in the 1960’s and 1970s. Since the 1980s, working his way up, Abe Ratner’s son-in-law, Stanely Foster evolved the business into what it has become today, a real estate investment company.

Ballroom Wine Sponsor

Partners in Thought
- Partners in Thought, “A Science-based Coaching for High Achievers”, provides tools to help facilitate deeper thinking, developing different effective strategies, self-discovery, and change to achieve goals, growth, and celebrate accomplishments. They have successfully been doing so for individuals and organizations extending to five continents! Partners in Thought’s nonprofit and public agency services help nonprofit and governmental boards and executives develop the most effective and sustainable organizations and leaders. We thank you for your sponsorship!

Champagne Reception Sponsor

Moss Adams
- Since 1913, when the firm first opened, Moss Adams has been dedicated and responsible for growth and sustainability amongst their clients, people, and neighborhoods. The firm expanded its services to Portland in 1922. The firm then opened in Northern and Southern California in the 1960’s and 70’s, offering clients the value-added services that compliment their core assurance and tax solutions. Today, working with more than 3,200 professionals across more than 25 locations in the West and beyond, Moss Adams has worked with the most innovative companies and leaders, helping them conquer challenges as they plan for what’s next. Moss Adams was recognized among the 100 Best Companies for the programs, benefits, and career support that mothers and other women at the firm receives.

Print Sponsor

Geppetto’s
- We would like to thank Geppeto’s Toys for their sponsorship, and all the joy they have brought to children through their magical world of classic toys, which inspire creativity and fun play time for the entire family! For over 40 years, Gepetto’s has been a San Diego Tradition, locally owned and operated by the Miller family. Originally located in the Old Town area of San Diego, Gepetto’s stores have expanded significantly from Carlsbad to Downtown, and many other neighborhoods in between. Gepetto’s offers exceptional service, with complimentary gift wrapping everyday and special product orders.

Media Sponsor

Voice of San Diego
- Founded in 2005 by Union Tribune columnist Neil Morgan and entrepreneur Buzz Wooley, the Voice of San Diego is a nonprofit news organization that reaches out to the region of San Diego, exposing the true facts that people might not want out there. They are committed to revealing why things are the way they are. The Voice of San Diego takes the time to explain complex local public policy issues in the efforts that the people of San Diego become more engaged and make good decisions.

PR Sponsor

Berkman Strategic Communications
- Berkman Strategic Communications are communication strategists at the highest level. As a strategic communications and public relations firm, they have become mentors and guides who provide strong insights and counsel to extraordinary clients to exceed their goals and objectives. Berkman also delivers high value, result driven marketing programs to clients of various industries and across a variety of disciplines. They continue to engage in positive impacts through the power of all communication channels (digital and traditional), while elevating their clients from the competition.

Community Supporter

Filice Insurance
- As a full service consulting firm for more than 25 years, Filice Insurance has been providing insurance solutions for over 2,000 companies throughout California. Since their inception in 1989, Filice has grown to become one of the largest independent employee benefits and insurance consulting firms in California. Their credit to this growth is based upon their focus on service and their investment in the tools and technology necessary to support a client base.

Belly Up
- Thank you, Belly Up, for your community support! Belly Up provides the best in new, up-and-coming artists, as well as established legends in genres ranging from alternative rock, indie rock, rock, reggae, and hip-hop to blues, folk, jazz, Latin & more!

Pacific Coast Grill
- We would like to thank Pacific Coast Grill for their support! Pacific Coast Grill’s oceanfront venues provide a variety of unique “Pacific Coast” cuisines, an oyster bar, select sushi rolls, black mussels, baked oysters, and a surfeit of more seafood choices! Since 1995, PCG has used fresh, local, free range ingredients to produce delicious food at friendly prices.

Christopher Weil & Co, Inc.
- Christopher Weil & Co, Inc. provides exceptional investment management, deploying various aspects of management expertise in different fields of business. The Weil Company was formed in 1989 by Chris Weil, in the aims to advise and manage wealth for others. Since the 1970s, they have sponsored and managed over seventy private equity funds which are formed to invest in residential and commercial real estate, as well as small businesses. Their services include comprehensive financial reviews, estate and insurance planning, installation of and advice to retirement plans, and consultation on philanthropy and philanthropic vehicles. The Christopher Weil & Co, Inc. also works to help clients put a plan in place to create a match between resources and goals.

It’s Not Too Late to Become a Sponsor!

Details on how to become a sponsor, including sponsorship opportunities, package details, tables, and tickets can be found here.

Words Alive's signature fundraising event is the Annual Author's Luncheon & Fundraiser. Celebrating its 15th year, the Author's Luncheon has featured world renowned authors such as Salman Rushdie, Jodi Picoult, and Isabel Allende.

Taking place each fall, the Author's Luncheon is attended by over 600 patrons that include book lovers, philanthropists, educators, civic organizations, and people invested in creating a more literate and thriving San Diego. This intellectual, elegant, and fast-paced fundraising event helps Words Alive raise over $200,000 annually, funds that make up a considerable portion of what Words Alive needs to continue serving thousands of children and families each year.

This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, the generous people, companies, and organizations who know how important literacy is for a successful and thriving community, and support our mission of opening opportunities of life success by inspiring a commitment to reading.

Moss Adams is one of the largest public accounting firms in the U.S., a spot they have earned through 105 years of offering accounting, consulting, and wealth management services. The company has earned several firmwide awards including three for being an exceptional workplace for women. Forbes also named them as one of the best midsize employers in 2017, as a company that makes their employees feel happy, inspired and well-compensated. Lastly, they have won six diversity awards in the last seven years.

Moss Adams also ensures they are making a difference in the world today. They do this by having commitment to their people, investing in their communities, and minimizing their environmental impact. The company and its employees volunteer in the community, serve on boards and make charitable donations to help build up the communities around them. Moss Adams has an extensive understanding of the issues foundations, their donors, and their for-profit entities often grapple with as well as the opportunities available to solve those issues. San Diego is just one of the several communities they have supported. Moss Adams will receive recognition on all wine bottles and champagne available in the Marketplace at the Author’s Luncheon & Fundraiser.

As the Beverage Sponsor, Moss Adams is helping Words Alive provide high-quality literacy programs to thousands of students and families in San Diego during the next school year.

We have many sponsorship opportunities still available! If you, or the company you work for, believes in the importance of literacy and is interested in helping Words Alive foster a more literate community, check out sponsorship details here. We have benefits available from social media promotion, to recognition on centerpieces, to the opportunity to announce our featured author, Mary Kubica, at the event!

Thank You to Our 2019 Author's Luncheon & Fundraiser Sponsors!

Sponsor Highlight: Moss Adams

Author's Luncheon "Going Green"