One Word at a Time is a literacy initiative founded by Newbery Medal- and Emmy Award-winning poet Kwame Alexander to bring authors virtually to schools across the U.S with no budget for in-person events. Teachers and librarians say these visits inspire a love of reading and writing in even the least interested students. In one year, we’ve reached 85,000 students in 44 states—many Title I schools. The Gala will give a taste of the One-Word magic, while raising funds to expand its reach.