PORT ANGELES — A Celebration of Literacy with cheese, wine and Port Angeles author Matthew Randazzo is planned Thursday.
The program will be at 6 p.m. at Renaissance at 401 E. Front St.
The program, which is in partnership with Port Book and News — which will provide a door prize — is free and open to the public, with RSVPs appreciated.
Proceeds from wine sales will benefit a First Step Family Support literacy program, and donations also will be requested, said Melissa Randazzo, First Step development director.
Matthew Randazzo specializes in the history of the underworld. His work has been published by Simon & Schuster and such newspapers as the New York Daily News.
Two of his books have been purchased for Hollywood adaptation.
A Celebration of Literacy was inspired by a gift from Doug Whatton and the Whatton Family Trust specifically to fund the Culture of Literacy program at First Step, Melissa Randazzo said.
Funds raised at the event will be put toward hiring a coordinator to organize a variety of children’s reading activities such as the summer Stories and Snacks Program, the Books and Backpacks Program and Community Cafes for parents of toddlers and preschoolers.
Renaissance offers massage, wellness classes and a small cafe that serves wine, beer, organic coffee, teas and local cuisine.
Randazzo also is chairman of the Clallam County Democratic Party, development director for the North Olympic Land Trust and spokesman for the Northwest Raptor & Wildlife Center in Sequim, as well as the husband of Melissa Randazzo.
To RSVP, phone Melissa Randazzo at 360-460-8785.