Author Claire Lombardo to appear at Glen Ellyn Literary Event benefit

GLEN ELLYN - The Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center will welcome author Claire Lombardo to its annual Literary Event Fundraiser Sept. 9 at Reserve 22 in Glen Ellyn.

Proceeds will support the center’s efforts to empower more than 200 low-income children living in the greater Glen Ellyn community, a news release stated.

The event is held in partnership with The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn and the Glen Ellyn Public Library, with support from 20th anniversary sponsors, Marcel’s Culinary Experience, Marché, and Maison, as well as event sponsor Kiwanis of Glen Ellyn.

“We are delighted to welcome acclaimed author Claire Lombardo to [our] annual Literary Event,” Janis Pfister, a GECRC board member who chairs the fundraiser, said in the release. “The work of this organization focuses on helping children realize their full potential through after-school tutoring and mentoring. These efforts have had a positive impact, with students exhibiting academic growth and confidence.”

Lombardo, a New York Times bestselling author, was long-listed for the Women’s Prize for Fiction for her book titled “The Most Fun We Ever Had,” which has been translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Born and raised in Oak Park, she now lives in Iowa City, Iowa.

Tickets cost $60 in advance or $70 at the door, and include appetizers and one drink. A cash bar, tempting raffle items, and a silent auction will be available.

The event takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 9 at Reserve 22, 485 Winchell Way, Glen Ellyn. Tickets can be purchased online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gecrc/event/833584/ or in Glen Ellyn at The Bookstore, 475 N. Main St., or Marcel’s Culinary Experience, 490 N. Main St. All proceeds will benefit Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center.

The center regularly seeks volunteer tutors. Learn more at www.gecrc.com. The mission is to help children from low-income families acquire the necessary skills in academics and social interaction to move successfully through grades K-12 and into adulthood.

After-school and summer programs emphasize literacy and community involvement, using the talents of teachers, volunteer tutors, center staff and a variety of local organizations.

For more information about the fundraiser, contact Janis Pfister at jspfister@sbcglobal.net.