The Stanislaus Literacy Center is holding a fundraiser at Chili’s to raise money for the organization to provide basic education and reading skills for adults and their families.
Its headquarters located in downtown Modesto, the Stanislaus Literacy Center is a non-profit corporation that helps the community in providing a stronger workforce.
Through GED preparation, adult and family literacy programs, English classes and jail education, the center prepares adults for necessary job skills.
A one night event, Chili’s will donate 15 percent of its profits to the organization for every customer who presents a flyer.
The fundraiser will take place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 16 at Chili’s on Countryside Dr. located in Turlock.
As a non-profit organization, the center also takes volunteers willing to tutor adults in reading and English lessons.
Karen Williams, the Executive Director since 1996, has watched the program grow over the past several years.
Originally, in 1987, the Volunteer Center of Stanislaus County began a literacy program in order to help workers at the local cannery, Tri-Valley Growers.
Later, in 1995, United Way enveloped the Volunteer Center, and the literacy program stood on its own as the Stanislaus Literacy Center.
The board consists of  a variety of professional individuals within the community, from the Stanislaus County Office of Education, to California State University, Stanislaus.
Online donations can also be made to help benefit the organization by going to www.readingworks.net.
A fundraiser for the Stanislaus Literacy Center will also be held April 24 at Red Robin on Countryside Dr. from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to the center.