In the past, 916 Ink’s major fundraiser—Hot Literary Nights—has been a fun-packed evening on location at the organization’s Imaginarium and described by founder Katie McCleary as “a whimsical adult school carnival.” Complete with readings by youth writers, literature-themed cakes for the cake walk, cocktails with names like Gin and the Giant Peach and Wild Rumpus Sangria and musical performances by the likes of The Soft Offs moetry makers (music + poetry = moetry—get it?), Hot Literary Nights has been a highlight of the early fall fundraising circuit.
As with just about every event this year, now it’s different. Hot Literary Nights has become Not Literary Nights, and it’s gone virtual. There will still be plenty of whimsy, though, some carnival fun and, if you choose, drinking. Ticketholders will get musical entertainment (singer/songwriter Jessica Malone will perform, as well as hip hop artist Orlando Molina from MC Zeps and Rhymosaurs) and readings from youth writers, along with some new delights, including typewriter portraits by artist Shani Zubari and art-making with comic artist Robert Love. The goal remains the same: to raise money for 916 Ink’s workshops and literacy programs and support its work with underserved and at-risk youth in the Sacramento area.
Even during the pandemic, 916 Ink has continued to serve youth writers with writing workshops (now virtual and open-air), publication of student anthologies, and book release parties (also virtual). With its Ink at Home program, students can download writing prompts and parents and instructors can check out the workshop method used in 916 Ink’s workshops. 916 Ink’s core mission: To turn area youth into published authors. 916 Ink’s work has been proven to reinforce in its participants the love of reading and the personal empowerment and academic engagement that comes with creative writing.
Tickets to Not Literary Nights, which takes place via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, start at $25 for “The Lit Kit,” which includes a screen-printed goodie-packed 916 Ink totebag (inside: a DIY photo booth prop kit, literary-quote fortuneteller, cocktail recipe cards and themed games). Ticketholders also receive online access to a party playlist, cocktail-making how-to video, and a writing prompt video. For VIP tickets (hurry—these are almost sold out), $50 gets you everything in The Lit Kit, plus a cheese/charcuterie spread from Hannibal’s Catering, mini desserts inspired by authors on the Imaginarium wall, a cocktail-making kit courtesy of Burly Beverages (sorry, the ABC says they can’t include the booze) and a keepsake 916 Ink Mason jar. Also, some great silent auction items round out the evening, and can be bid on here.
For tickets: https://www.916ink.org/not-literary-nights.
