NEW YORK, NY(SMI-GLOBAL-PHILANTHROPY-MAY 09-11, 2024)-The Room-to-Read Non-profit organization known for supporting literacy and helping girl's education in low-income communities from around the world through its education programs celebrated its annual benefit gala last Thursday's evening May 09, honoring John Ridding (CEO of the Financial Times) with the"Champions Award", and Demi Singleton(US Actress "King Richard" with "The Changemaker Award' for their support to Literacy and education equality at Tao Downtown restaurant in New York City.

The Room-to Read celebrates every year through its annual benefit gala the
transformative power of education that creates a positive impact in children lives with all proceeds raised to supports its literacy and girl's education programs.
 
John Ridding is the CEO of the Financial Times and Room to Read Global Board member for the past 17-years, was honored with  "The Champions Awards " for his commitment and transformative support towards gender equity and literacy outcomes as well for being widely recognized as a leader of global education progress.

US actress Demi Singleton  known for the MGM+ crime TV series Godfather of Harlem,  Sally Reeves in the Paramount+ western series Lawmen: Bass Reeves and starring as young Serena Williams in “King Richard” is a great supporter for literacy and was honored with "The Changemaker Award" who through her 'Girls Covers book club" empowers young women by promoting stories from diverse authors. In addition to being recognized with the award, Singleton was also  named a Global ambassador for the Room to Read at the gala. 

Notable Attendeed included:

• Ludacris, artist  (Performer at the Gala)

• Demi Singleton, actress 

• John Ridding, CEO, Financial Times 

• Samantha Barry, Editor-in-Chief, Glamour 

• Dr. Geetha Murali, CEO, Room to Read 

• Tico Armand, model and author 

• Christina Baker Kline, NYT bestselling author 

• Tanya Taylor, fashion designer 

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About John Ridding:

 

John Ridding is the Chief Executive Officer of the FT Group, one of the world’s leading news organisation recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy and for its global perspective. Under his stewardship, the FT has expanded its global operations and transformed itself into a digital multi-media business, pioneering the reader-revenue subscription model now widely adopted across the sector.

 

He currently sits on the board of Bonnier News, part of the international media conglomerate Bonnier AB and on the board of Wilshire, the US based investment and index company. In addition to his business roles, John is on the board of Room to Read, a San-Francisco based global charity that supports learning and literacy in low income countries – with a focus on girls’ education. He graduated from Oxford University with a first class honours degree in philosophy, politics and economics. John lives with his family in London. His other interests include music, running, surfing and scuba diving.