vol. 216 / read

vol. 216 / Read

VOL. 216 / READ

Meet Ryan Corrigan, our guest editor this week and a veteran nonprofit fundraiser with 28 years under his belt. He's worked for top notch organizations like the Children’s Miracle Network-Richmond and the James River Association. Nowadays, he's steering the ship at The READ Center, using literacy as his secret weapon for equality. As a doting husband and father, he's always on the lookout for Richmond's hidden artistic gems. He's also teamed up with Andy Thompson, owner of Sharp's Island, and Paul Spicer, of Richmond Grid, to unveil a showcase of Richmond's brilliant artists called "True Places."

Take it away, Ryan...

Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox

A family go-to in Bon Air (can I call it downtown Bon Air?) and now weekend staple is Perk! Coffee and Lunchbox. The owners, fellow former VCU Rams have created a community space inside and out that is chock full of more than just coffee beans. The spot features some amazing baked goods, bagels, sandwiches, and also sells locally made products. Not sure what they put in their banana nut brownies, but my 6-year-old daughter is officially addicted.

Vitals:

Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox / Mon - Fri: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 2620 N. Buford Road

The Great Richmond Trivia Bee

Who doesn’t love trivia; especially trivia for a cause? The Great Richmond Trivia Bee has over 50 teams of four showing off their ability to pull obscure knowledge about even more obscure categories all to benefit The READ Center. A great event for a great cause supporting everyone’s right to literacy. Make sure to your ticket today before it's too late to join the fun on April 25th from 5:30 - 8:30pm at the Dewey Gottwald Center.

Vitals:
Great Richmond Trivia Bee / April 25th, 5:30 - 8:30 pm, 2301 W Leigh St. / Purchase tickets here

Black Iris

Black Iris Gallery is a hidden gem nestled between businesses on busy Broad Street. I’ve been to several First Fridays here, curated a True Places art show here and host my holiday Jingle and Mingle for The READ Center here annually. It’s an amazing space that’s as inviting as Dave Jackson, the owner and mastermind behind this urban oasis that features weekly live entertainment from jazz to local rock. The bar is top notch, and for members, there are three floors to relax and rejuvenate. On display now on the first floor gallery is the talented local artist, Mickael Broth, also known as The Night Owl.

Vitals:

Black Iris Gallery / Hours vary by membership - learn more here. 321 West Broad Street

More From Ryan.

As Executive Director of The READ Center, I am humbled daily by our adult students’ drive and desire to overcome any obstacle to achieve their goal: learning to read. I’m blown away by their tenacity to better their situation, for themselves, for their families, for our community. Knowing that several of our adult learners have gone through life challenged by low literacy and yet still hold, in many cases, several jobs is mind blowing. And with more than 90,000 adults in the greater Richmond area needing our services, we are blessed to work with the best tutors, teachers, staff and volunteers to support this goal.

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Richmondclaire prendergastApril 19, 2024eat, give, go