[PHOTOS & VIDEOS] Legends of Literacy fundraiser offered guests a one-of-a-kind experience at the Rock Hall
Adult education took the spotlight on May 8, 2025, when Seeds of Literacy hosted its most ambitious fundraiser yet — Legends of Literacy: Providing the Soundtrack of Success — at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
(Presented by Carnegie Management & Development Corporation, with support from Stephen & Laura Rice)
Spanning three of the museum’s five floors, the event offered guests a one-of-a-kind experience, blending music history with literacy advocacy. From exhibits to performances, there was something to engage every attendee — all in support of our mission to empower adult learners.
Guests were welcomed like rock stars, with red carpet fanfare and plenty of flashbulbs courtesy of our volunteer paparazzi team. A special thanks to staff photographer Jordaine Dinorog, and professionals Victoria Stanbridge and Tim Arai, who captured every moment — on and off the red carpet — with style and flair.
THE VOICES OF SEEDS
The program kicked off in the Foster Theater on the 4th floor, where guests viewed a short video about Seeds’ impact on adult education. The presentation was followed by inspiring remarks from Board Chair Steve Ligus and other speakers who underscored the importance of supporting adult learners.
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came from student speaker Lovevida Edwards. Gracefully commanding the stage, Lovevida shared how she left school in 10th grade after transferring to a new environment plagued by violence and distraction. “It’s like they didn’t even want to learn,” she recalled.
Years later, inspired by her four children (ages 17, 15, 9, and 1), she enrolled at Seeds — determined to be a role model. Her dedication and charisma have made her a standout student. With her oldest set to graduate high school next year, Lovevida is more motivated than ever to don her own cap and gown.
Lovevida’s story moved the crowd — and set the bar high for what followed.
Enter Virtual Site Coordinator Todd Seabrook. With quick wit and heartfelt honesty, Todd took the mic with a smile, joking about locked doors “because it’s a fundraiser,” before delivering a powerful reminder: Seeds’ work isn’t about statistics. It’s about people. His spirited call to action struck a chord — and helped raise nearly $10,000 before the night’s end.
THE REAL FUN BEGINS
Of course, no fundraiser would be complete without cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, raffle baskets, and a wine pull — but Legends of Literacy took things up a notch with its signature Scavenger Hunt, created by Assistant Program Director Chris Richards.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
Armed with maps and 13 clues, competitive guests raced through the exhibits in search of answers. Even tie-breaker questions couldn’t settle the score — the final winner was determined by a coin toss. Congratulations to Scott Harper (pictured with his guests), who won a weekend getaway including two nights at The Westin Cleveland, tickets to Pickwick & Frolic, and an assortment of gift certificates.
THE PEOPLE THAT MADE IT HAPPEN
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors — especially Carnegie Management & Development Corp, with support from Stephen & Laura Rice — and in-kind donors, the artistry of our photographers, the leadership of our board, and the tireless dedication of the Seeds staff. Your support truly gave this event its rhythm and heart.
Together, we made literacy legendary, raising nearly $142,000 of our $150,000 goal! THANK YOU!
STAFF FUN
BOARD MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS
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