On a serene spring evening along Manhattan’s Chelsea Piers, New York’s literary, philanthropic, and civic luminaries gathered for the 2025 Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner hosted by Literacy Partners. Held at the elegant Pier Sixty, the night shimmered with more than just city lights — it radiated with purpose, celebrating the life-changing power of literacy and the community that sustains it.
The event was more than a gala, it was a testament to transformation through education. With attendees from across the nation, the celebration spotlighted Literacy Partners’ two-generation approach to closing the literacy gap. To empower adults, caregivers, and their families in high-need areas such as New York City, Philadelphia, Nevada, and San Diego. Funds raised from the evening directly support the organization’s mission to provide free, high-impact literacy education to underserved communities in 30 states.
Cynthia McFadden
Photo Credit: BFA / Madeline Thomas, PMC / Getty Images / Mark Sagliocco
Guests were welcomed with cocktails and sweeping waterfront views before settling in for an evening of readings, heartfelt stories, and recognition of this year’s extraordinary honorees — four icons whose work has shaped the cultural, intellectual, and journalistic landscape of America.
Trailblazing editor Erroll McDonald, whose decades-long career at Alfred A. Knopf has ushered in some of the most vital and diverse voices in American literature; broadcast journalist Cynthia McFadden, known for her fearless pursuit of truth and unflinching storytelling; world-renowned astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson, whose gift for making science accessible has inspired millions; and legendary investigative journalist Bob Woodward, whose dogged reporting continues to define political accountability — all received honors for their exceptional contributions.
Honoree Erroll McDonald
Photo Credit: BFA / Madeline Thomas, PMC / Getty Images / Mark Sagliocco
A heartfelt tribute was also paid to the late literary legend Barbara Taylor Bradford, reminding guests of the enduring legacy of storytelling.
Adding even more gravity to the evening was the presence of Oprah Winfrey, global media leader and literacy advocate, who appeared as a special guest and presenter. Her presence underscored the urgency and universality of the cause, echoing the belief that “with literacy, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
The gala also drew a distinguished crowd of thinkers, change makers, and media icons, including Ronan Farrow, Lesley Stahl, Carl Bernstein, Courtney E.K. Lewis, Jonathan Karp (CEO, Simon & Schuster), Jon Yaged (CEO, Macmillan), Joni Evans, Elizabeth T. Peabody, and Jean Shafiroff. It was a room steeped in intellect and influence, united by the common thread of advocacy through action.
Photo Credit: BFA / Madeline Thomas, PMC / Getty Images / Mark Sagliocco
