Read Between the Wines 2026: A Night That Supports Literacy in Crawford County
Each year, Read Between the Wines brings our community together for an evening that is equal parts connection, storytelling, and support for a mission that impacts lives right here in Crawford County.
This year’s event was no exception.
As guests arrived, the room quickly filled with conversation… people catching up, looking through auction items, and settling in for the evening. There was a sense of connection from the start and a shared understanding that the night was about something bigger than just an event. It was about supporting adults in our community who are working toward stronger reading, writing, and language skills… and the opportunities that come with that.
We were honored to welcome Dr. Mike McSpadden as our featured author. His time with us was a reminder of the power of local stories and the impact they have on our schools, our community, and the future we are building here. It also reinforced the role literacy plays for everyone… in how we connect, how we learn, and how we continue to grow.
Throughout the night, guests enjoyed dinner, desserts, and drinks while taking part in some of the most anticipated parts of the event… the wine pull and the live auction.
The wine pull continues to be a favorite. For a small contribution, guests selected a numbered cork and received a mystery bottle of wine, creating a fun and interactive experience that brought a lot of excitement to the room.
The live auction was another highlight of the evening. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community members, the auction included a wide variety of items… from themed baskets and handmade goods to local experiences and getaway packages. There was truly something for everyone, and it was incredible to see the level of participation and support throughout the auction.
What makes Read Between the Wines so impactful each year is the way our community shows up.
Local businesses stepped forward as sponsors, helping make the event possible. Others donated auction items, gift cards, and experiences. Volunteers gave their time to help with setup, check-in, and making sure everything ran smoothly. And our guests showed up ready to support the work we do.
Because of that support, this event was a strong success and continues to grow year after year.
The funds raised through Read Between the Wines allow Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy to continue providing free, individualized literacy services to adults in our community. This includes one-on-one tutoring, English language support, workforce preparation, and access to learning resources that meet students where they are.
Beyond instruction, these funds help sustain the day-to-day operations that make this work possible… maintaining a welcoming learning space, supporting tutors, and ensuring that every student who walks through our doors has access to the tools they need to succeed.
For many of our students, improving literacy is about more than reading and writing. It’s about gaining confidence, supporting their families, pursuing employment opportunities, and building a more stable future.
Events like Read Between the Wines make that possible.
To everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, volunteered, or supported this event in any way… thank you. Your support directly impacts the individuals and families we serve, and we are truly grateful for the role you play in this work.
If you would still like to support this work, you can make a contribution through our Donation Website.
We also invite you to continue following along as we share more about the work happening at Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy and the individuals whose lives are being changed through education.
This year’s event was no exception.
As guests arrived, the room quickly filled with conversation… people catching up, looking through auction items, and settling in for the evening. There was a sense of connection from the start and a shared understanding that the night was about something bigger than just an event. It was about supporting adults in our community who are working toward stronger reading, writing, and language skills… and the opportunities that come with that.
We were honored to welcome Dr. Mike McSpadden as our featured author. His time with us was a reminder of the power of local stories and the impact they have on our schools, our community, and the future we are building here. It also reinforced the role literacy plays for everyone… in how we connect, how we learn, and how we continue to grow.
Throughout the night, guests enjoyed dinner, desserts, and drinks while taking part in some of the most anticipated parts of the event… the wine pull and the live auction.
The wine pull continues to be a favorite. For a small contribution, guests selected a numbered cork and received a mystery bottle of wine, creating a fun and interactive experience that brought a lot of excitement to the room.
The live auction was another highlight of the evening. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community members, the auction included a wide variety of items… from themed baskets and handmade goods to local experiences and getaway packages. There was truly something for everyone, and it was incredible to see the level of participation and support throughout the auction.
What makes Read Between the Wines so impactful each year is the way our community shows up.
Local businesses stepped forward as sponsors, helping make the event possible. Others donated auction items, gift cards, and experiences. Volunteers gave their time to help with setup, check-in, and making sure everything ran smoothly. And our guests showed up ready to support the work we do.
Because of that support, this event was a strong success and continues to grow year after year.
The funds raised through Read Between the Wines allow Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy to continue providing free, individualized literacy services to adults in our community. This includes one-on-one tutoring, English language support, workforce preparation, and access to learning resources that meet students where they are.
Beyond instruction, these funds help sustain the day-to-day operations that make this work possible… maintaining a welcoming learning space, supporting tutors, and ensuring that every student who walks through our doors has access to the tools they need to succeed.
For many of our students, improving literacy is about more than reading and writing. It’s about gaining confidence, supporting their families, pursuing employment opportunities, and building a more stable future.
Events like Read Between the Wines make that possible.
To everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, volunteered, or supported this event in any way… thank you. Your support directly impacts the individuals and families we serve, and we are truly grateful for the role you play in this work.
If you would still like to support this work, you can make a contribution through our Donation Website.
We also invite you to continue following along as we share more about the work happening at Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy and the individuals whose lives are being changed through education.
Read Between the Wines - March 7, 2026
Dr. Mike McSpadden
Local Author 
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Join us for a wonderful evening with featured author Dr. Mike McSpadden at Read Between the Wines beginning at 6pm.
Guests will enjoy dinner and a live auction in support of adult and family literacy in Crawford County. We are honored to welcome Dr. Mike McSpadden as this year’s featured author. Dr. McSpadden is a lifelong educator and community leader whose career has touched thousands of students and families across the River Valley. He was raised in Russellville, graduated from Arkansas Tech University, and later earned a Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Arkansas. Dr. McSpadden spent forty years from 1979 to 2019 serving the Alma School District as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator. His steady leadership and dedication helped shape generations of learners and strengthened the community he served for so many years. After retiring, he continued his commitment to service through prison ministry and outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness. His work reflects a deep compassion for others and a belief in the power of second chances. His writing and community involvement are shaped by his decades of experience in education, leadership, and service. Dr. McSpadden and his wife, Malinda, remain active in their church and community. They are the proud parents of three sons: Mikell, Matthew, and Mason. Dr. McSpadden’s life of service and devotion to helping others aligns closely with Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy’s mission and the heart behind this event. Sponsorship Opportunities: Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the event may contact: Samantha Brandli, Executive Director [email protected] 
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