Calendar of Events & Directions
Celebration of Reading 2012
Our host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, is spectacular!
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, Florida, 34134
Phone 1 (239) 444 1234
(See additional hotel options available in the area)
Florida’s Celebration of Reading is a special day that brings together best-selling authors, business partners, literacy volunteers and friends to support Volunteer USA Foundation’s Family Literacy Academies and to celebrate the profound impact that its literacy programs have on families in the U.S.
FEBRUARY 17, 2012
8:30 a.m.: Children’s Celebration Breakfast Event featuring author Jeff Kinney to honor local student winners of story writing contest.
11:30 am to 1:15 pm: Exclusive Luncheon Event featuring Celebrity Chef and Author Art Smith (Sustaining Sponsors, Benefactors & Investors)
1:30-3:30 p.m.: Education policy forum, “A Conversation on Family Literacy” at Fl. Gulf Coast University. Jeb Bush hosts panel including U.S. Senator Marco Rubio; Sharon Darling, President, National Center for Family Literacy; and Jeanne Allen, President of the Center for Education Reform. (see map for location details) (Investor Level & Higher, RSVP required)
5:00 pm to 5:45 pm: VIP Reception and Photo Opportunity (Patron Level & Higher)
Celebration of Reading Event (All Sponsors and ticket purchasers)
5:00 pm: Beer & Wine Cocktail Hour
6:00 pm: Reading Event with Best-Selling Authors Begins
7:00 pm: Dinner (serving gourmet surf & turf dinner )
9:00 pm: Author Book Signing Event, *Each guest will receive a commemorative gift bag which includes two books. Guests may elect to purchase additional books to be autographed by our authors at the on-site Barnes & Noble bookstore, where proceeds support literacy.
DIRECTIONS
From Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) – Follow Terminal Access Road (East) to the intersection of Ben Hill Griffin Parkway / Treeline Avenue Extension. Turn left onto Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, and follow to Corkscrew Road (approx. 7 miles). At Corkscrew Road, turn right and follow to South Tamiami Trail (US 41) (approx 3-1/2 miles). Turn left onto S. Tamiami Trail and follow for approximately 2 miles to Coconut Road. Turn right at Coconut Road, Hyatt Regency is at the end.
From Fort Lauderdale – Follow I-75 North toward Naples for approximately 99 miles, to Exit 116 toward Bonita Springs / Gulf Beaches. Take the CR-865 West ramp toward Bonita Springs / Gulf Beaches and turn left onto Bonita Beach Road SE / CR-865 West. Turn right onto South Tamiami Trail / US-41 North / FL-45 North. Follow South Tamiami Trail northbound for 4-1/2 miles to Coconut Road intersection. At light, turn left onto Coconut Road, and follow to the Hyatt Regency.
From Tampa – Follow I-75 South, toward Naples, to Exit 123. Merge onto Corkscrew Road / CR-850 West toward Estero. Follow Corkscrew Road to Tamiami Trail / US-41 South / FL-45 South, and turn left. Stay on Tamiami Trail to Coconut Road, turn right and follow Coconut Road to the hotel.
From Orlando – Take I-4 West toward Tampa to Exit 55. Merge onto US-27 South toward Haines City / Cypress Gardens, then turn right onto West Main Street / FL-64. Continue to follow FL-64, then turn left onto US-17 South / Florida Cracker Trail / FL-35 South. Continue to follow US-17 South / FL-35 South to I-75 South. Follow I-75 South, toward Naples, to Exit 123. Merge onto Corkscrew Road / CR-850 West toward Estero. Follow Corkscrew Road to Tamiami Trail / US-41 South / FL-45 South, and turn left. Stay on Tamiami Trail to Coconut Road, turn right and follow Coconut Road to the hotel.
Celebration of Reading – bringing the joy of literacy to families.
