RACINE, WI, March 16, 2020

In keeping with Governor Tony Evers’ declaration of a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 virus and his urging for organizations to avoid convening large groups of people, the Racine Literacy Council has made the painstaking decision to postpone their March 21st OPEN DOOR Event until May 9th.

In its place, Racine Literacy Council urges supporters to participate in its virtual Silent Auction; an online auction through which visitors can bid on items that generous companies and organizations have donated to the Council for this event. By visiting the online auction, people may still support the nonprofit organization through this healthy alternative.

For those supporters who have already purchased an OPEN DOOR Event ticket, the ticket will be honored for attendance at the rescheduled event or if you are unable to attend the new date, you may request a refund by contacting the RLC office. For those who wish to help support Racine Literacy Council through its online Silent Auction, you may visit the site at: www.32auctions.com/RLC2020. The auction will be open at 8:00 AM on Monday, March 16 and close at 10:00 PM on Saturday, March 28th .

“This is a most difficult decision to make”, says Executive Director, Steven Mussenden. “The OPEN DOOR Event is our premiere fundraiser. Any nonprofit organization can commiserate with the situation, since we all depend a great deal on these kinds of public events to raise awareness of our mission in our community and to raise critical financial support.”

The Racine Literacy Council provides one-on-one tutoring and classes geared to increasing the reading, writing and speaking skills of its clients. Through this work, the Council improves the overall quality of life for Racine County adults. Each year, an average of 200 Racine County residents seek help from the organization to improve their work possibilities and enhance their lives.

Eric Markusen, Racine Literacy Council Board President, stated, “ That as trying as it is to postpone the event, public safety must come first.”