Room to Read’s 2024 New York Gala celebrates the power of education to help children crack the code to future success

Last week, Room to Read held its annual New York Gala to recognize education as the key that opens the door to opportunity. Themed “Education: Cracking the Code to Future Success,” the event featured interactive installations that immersed guests in the experience of learning to read and raised transformational funds that will benefit 60,000 children facing education inequalities through Room to Read’s programs.  

John Ridding, Financial Times CEO and Room to Read emeritus board member, and actress Demi Singleton were recognized as honorees of the evening. John Ridding was presented with Room to Read's Champion Award for his leadership on Room to Read boards and long-term support for literacy and gender equality. Demi Singleton accepted Room to Read’s Changemaker Award for her empowering example to girls everywhere, including her commitment to elevating the stories of diverse authors and characters through her Black Girls Covers book club. 

The evening concluded with a headline performance from Ludacris, whose initiatives KidNation and KARMA’s WORLD promote children’s well-being and girls’ empowerment. The performance was sponsored by Humanitix, a nonprofit ticketing platform that believes in tickets for good, not greed 

Read more about the night in our press release. For a look into the event, check out the photos below.