Liz Smith hosted Literacy Partners’ 29th annual Evening of Readings Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street, where guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing, and, of course, readings. The evening was held in honor of best-selling author Patricia Cornwell and writer/director Tatiana von Furstenberg. Jacqueline Weld Drake received the Lizzie Award for her philanthropic efforts and dedication to improving the lives of those who grapple with illiteracy.

The evening featured readings by Bill O’Reilly, Jonathan Meacham, and Elizabeth Strout to guests who included Yoko Ono, Sheila Nevins, John Demsey, Gigi Stone, Robert Zimmerman, Barbara Goldsmith, John Joseph and Carolina Zapf, Inge and Ira Rennert, and Bibhu Mohapatra.