Preview our 14th Annual Storybook Ball

November 5, 2022

United Through Reading’s 14th annual Storybook Ball takes place on November, 5, 2022 in San Diego. The gala brings together San Diego’s community of corporate executives, senior military leaders, long-time supporters, and military families to celebrate the connections United Through Reading enables for military service members, no matter their distance. Here’s what to expect at the very special evening.

Military Families’ Stories

San Diego based Navy Seal spouse, Maggie Worthington, will share how United Through Reading has helped their family and the rest of their special warfare community stay connected during frequent deployments. 

UTR Volunteer Spotlight

CS2(SW) Robert Franklin “Frankie” Hard, III, USN will also join us at Storybook Ball. He’s been volunteering with UTR since 2017. He says, “I have had a once in a lifetime experience to provide families an experience that many of us didn’t have growing up. On the USS Essex alone, we provided over 600 families an experience that cannot be replicated. It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to attend the Storybook Ball. I’ve been dreaming of this for years.”

Awards Presentations

The evening will include a presentation of the Audrey Geisel Friend of Military Children Award to Make your Bed with Skipper the Seal by ADM William H. McRaven, USN (Ret) and USAA will be presented with the Military Family Leadership Award. 

Guests of Honor in Attendance 

We are thrilled to welcome our Military Guests of Honor, VADM Kenneth Whitesell, USN, Commander, Naval Air Force, US Pacific Command and Mrs. Melodye Whitesell.

United Through Reading Leadership

We are so excited for our new CEO, Tim Farrell to attend his first Storybook Ball. Farrell is excited to meet United Through Reading’s longtime supporters and our UTR families at the event. Farrell will also address the crowd from center stage. Dr. Sally Ann Zoll,  CEO for the past 16 years, will also be in attendance. Don’t be surprised if the entire room is brought to tears by our heartfelt tribute honoring her service at United Through Reading and dedication to military families. 

Thank you, Sponsors

Storybook Ball wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors including Reader’s Digest Foundation, our READiness365 Keynote Sponsor, and our READiness365 sponsors; Veterans United Foundation, BAE Systems, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, USAA, Carter’s Charitable Foundation and Gillette and our Tribute Sponsors; Epsilon, Kratos, Northrop Grumman, Cynthia & John Curiel, and Carl & Ashley Ryden, our Supporting Sponsors; Amazon, American Freedom Foundation, Boeing, Cisco, General Atomics Aeronautical, Sunbelt Rentals, Sycuan, Mayor Sharon Cox and Supervisor Greg Cox, and Greg and Denise Steinhafel and our Dedication to Service Sponsors; Buchanan Brand & Design, RADM & Mrs. Fran Holian, USN (Ret) and Mr. & Mrs. Dwayne Junker, USN (Ret), Mr. Scott Kuyper and Mrs. Anne Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Swinton and Dr. Andrew Viterbi.

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