Better Basics’ largest fundraising event, the Love for Literacy gala, is going virtual in 2021 in its ongoing effort to promote reading and mathematics literacy for students in the Birmingham area in the midst of the pandemic. 

For the 2021 campaign, donors can enhance their Valentine’s Day by purchasing an adult’s or child’s gift basket.

The kid basket in the Love for Literacy campaign supports Better Basics. (Better Basics)

The adult basket ($80) includes one bottle of fine red wine from International Wines, two bundtlets from Nothing Bundt Cakes and a fresh flower arrangement by Marigold Designs.

The kid basket ($45) includes one Nothing Bundt Cakes bundtlet, a Valentine’s themed children’s book, candy, an activity and a Valentine’s Day balloon.

The first 50 Valentine’s package purchases will be in a drawing to win a $250 Avani Rupa gift certificate, and donors can purchase chances to win luxury items such as round-trip Delta airline tickets plus Marriott points, fine jewelry by Avani Rupta, wines from Finch Fine Wines or a cooler of premium meats.

Purchased baskets will be available for pickup at Better Basics on Friday, Feb. 12.

The Love for Literacy campaign is Better Basics’ signature fundraiser. Proceeds support Better Basics’ academic intervention and enrichment programs for struggling students in Birmingham-area low-income communities. Better Basics provides services to approximately 35 schools and impacts the lives of more than 23,000 under-served children, birth through 12th grade.

Nearly 75% of third-grade students in Birmingham City Schools are reading below grade level. Two-thirds of the third-graders are below grade level in mathematics. The vast majority of students served by Better Basics are struggling with the most fundamental elements of a solid education and every year they fall further behind. The pandemic increased this education gap for low-income students. That is why Better Basics exists – to provide opportunities for students to be empowered to achieve academic success regardless of circumstances. Alabama Power and the Alabama Power Service Organization support Better Basics.

Better Basics has adapted to provide virtual research-based literacy programs during the 2020-2021 academic year. These proven programs increase the reading and mathematical functioning of students performing below grade level. The pandemic brought changes resulting in increased technology, training, supplies and curriculum expenditures.

If you’re going to order flowers this Valentine’s Day, why not support literacy at the same time? (Better Basics)

ASH Renovations is the 2021 “Game Changer” sponsor for the 2021 Love for Literacy campaign. Other sponsors include Protective Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Medical Properties Trust, Brasfield & Gorrie, BL Harbert International, Regions Bank, Publix Charities, Diane and Jim Richardson, and Tanya and Skip Cooper.

For Valentine’s baskets, chances to win luxury items and more information, visit: www.BetterBasics.org/events or https://loveforliteracy.swell.gives.