It is with deep regret that we’ve cancelled this year’s annual benefit for the Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center which was scheduled for April 5. It is more important that all our supporters and friends stay well and safe, so we are forgoing the benefit this year. We won’t be rescheduling, but we do hope to be back with shining colors and bells on in 2021.

The Poetry Out Loud competition set for this weekend is changing to a virtual event. Of course, this is a huge disappointment as the students won’t be able to meet in person and share their poetry, but huge kudos to the State for not cancelling entirely. Each student will call in and deliver their poems online this Sunday. The winner will be announced on Monday morning.

Additionally, we are continuing our work in all things poetry including publishing the work of young poets, our monthly and quarterly reading series, our initiative to donate stacks of new poetry books to each elementary school in the county (37 so far!), our summer poetry workshops, and our quarterly poetry book clubs, the New Year’s Poetry Challenge, as well as other opportunities for community and publication. Your donations help us keep up the good work with our all volunteer nonprofit organizations. Thank you!