Because last year's Holiday Party Potluck was such a success, we decided to do it again this year. People responded by bringing all kinds of wonderfully tasty hot dishes, pies, cakes, salads and chips. Cornell James not only reprised his special gumbo, but also tantalized us with jambalaya. Another tasty dish was the heavenly ambrosia made by San Francisco Public Library’s own Gloria Cowart. Mmmmmmm! 
     Loretta Hicks and Tara Davis emceed the program. Project Read Manager Randy Weaver welcomed everyone and introduced the Project Read staff. Chief of the Main Ned Himmel spoke about the importance of Project Read. Library Commissioner Steven A. Coutler related events from the Library’s history to show the significance of Project Read as a part of the S.F. Public Library. 
     Project Read learners again showed why our program exists and why it succeeds. Pearl Brown, John Caroompus, Raymond Johnson, Moana Miglietta, Stacey Stokes and Yolanda Walker all spoke about working hard to improve their reading and writing skills and the positive effect this has had on their lives. Both cheers and tears came from those in the audience. 
     Following the always popular free raffle, we gave away our special door prize: a computer system that included a laser printer and a computer desk. Only Project Read learners who had not won a computer from previous giveaways were eligible to win. The prize represented a true community effort toward digital inclusion because each of the system's components was donated by different individuals, organizations and corporations. The lucky winner was Mahmoud Nafie who, just before the winning number was announced, was heard to say that he could use this prize. 
     Project Read is always grateful to the many individuals, corporations, businesses and organizations who respond to our requests for donations. For the Holiday Party Potluck we thank the following for their generous contributions to the festivities: ABS Printer Specialists, Birkenstock Natural Footwear, Browser Books, California Academy Of Sciences, The Exploratorium, The Gap Foundation, Jon Gillespie, Hilton San Francisco & Towers, Klutz Press, Alicia Langer, David Lanham, Macy's West, PC World Magazine, Safeway, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony, See’s Candies, Stacey’s Bookstore, Target Greatland, and Gale Ward.