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Green Bay Packers legend Jordy Nelson will be the featured speaker at SHARP Literacy’s annual “A Novel Event” on Monday, November 15 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at The Pfister Hotel. The event will celebrate the 20th annual Novel Event and MARK 25 years of SHARP delivering innovative programming to urban elementary students. Kate and Dan Meyer, and Julie and Mark Steinhafel are serving as event co-chairs.
Keynote speaker, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson played 10 seasons for the Packers and one season for the Oakland Raiders before retiring from professional football in 2019. Among the many highlights of his career in Green Bay, Nelson earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2016 and led the Packers with nine receptions and a touchdown in the Super Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburg Steelers in 2011. During Nelson’s keynote speech at A Novel Event, the former Packer and substitute math teacher will share inspirational and uplifting stories about his career on and off the field, and the importance of educational opportunities for all students. After stepping in for a third grade teacher at his son’s school, Nelson reflected, “I had incredible teachers growing up, and they gave me so much that I just wanted to give back. Honestly, what I didn’t realize was the effect the kids would have on me.”
At the dinner, Mike Mahoney, SHARP Literacy board member and civic volunteer, will receive the Literacy Champion Award for his longstanding support of SHARP Literacy. Over the years, Mike has selflessly donated his time and many talents to furthering SHARP’s mission of improving the lives of urban elementary students. Rockwell Automation will receive SHARP Literacy’s EDGE Award (Energizing through Dedication, Giving and Engagement), which will be presented to Jeannie Fenceroy, senior manager of global community relations and contributions.
The message of this year’s A Novel Event is the importance of partnerships, according to Lynda Kohler, president and CEO of SHARP Literacy. “This year, as we mark our 25th anniversary and look at the evolution of SHARP Literacy, we are humbled by the hundreds of incredible partners who have made SHARP what it is today.” Kohler went on to say, “From dedicated educators to our corporate and community partners who are collaborating behind the scenes, our partnerships have been the constant force in helping SHARP grow beyond what we could have ever imagined. With their steadfast support, we continue to follow
our mission of providing every child in our community the same educational opportunities, no matter their circumstances.”
Funds raised at A Novel Event will support the delivery of SHARP’s foundational literacy program to thousands of K3 through fifth grade students and educators in 49 urban schools across Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha.
Individual tickets for the event are $150 – including in-person and virtual attendance options – and may be purchased online at novel21.givesmart.com, or by calling 414.410.3204. Various levels of corporate and individual sponsorships are also available. SHARP Literacy, Inc. wishes to thank this year’s largest event sponsors to date: BMO Harris Bank, Robert W. Baird/Charlie Groeschell, Brewers Community Foundation, Continental Properties, Great Lakes Rubber, Kelben Foundation, Neurosurgery and Endovascular Associates, Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation, and Julie and Mark Steinhafel. SHARP is also grateful to media partners BizTimes Milwaukee, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, CW 18/My 24 Milwaukee, ESPN Milwaukee, OnMilwaukee, and Urban Milwaukee.
SHARP Literacy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Milwaukee nonprofit educational program whose mission is to partner with educators to foster a love of learning and advance children’s futures through innovative STEAM-based experiences and programs. The primary goal of SHARP Literacy is to provide elementary school students with an imaginative learning experience that builds confidence, self-esteem, and a greater awareness of the world. This year SHARP Literacy, Inc. will impart foundational literacy skills to thousands of urban elementary school students and educators in 49 schools across Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha. For more information, visit www.sharpliteracy.org.
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