Sing, Read & SOAR: “An Encore for Carlo: A Legacy of Harmony and Literacy”

Sing Out and READ hosted a magnificent event on Saturday, November 1st at the Feather Sound Country Club. This marked our first major event since 2023, and it was an outstanding success.

SOAR Founder Carlo Franzblau with his Legacy of Literacy Award

The evening provided a heartfelt opportunity to honor Founder Carlo Franzblau and his wife Beth as Carlo retires from his role as Executive Director. Over one hundred guests attended and shared a moving outpouring of appreciation. This tribute was richly deserved in recognition of everything Carlo has accomplished—promoting literacy in his uniquely powerful way by using music and singing to inspire and improve reading skills for children who otherwise would have little opportunity to advance to grade-level proficiency.

Sing Out and READ is deeply privileged to carry forward Carlo’s extraordinary legacy and is committed to building upon it to reach even more children in the years ahead. Significant work remains, but the opportunities to expand impact and serve a broader audience are tremendous.

Thanks to the remarkable generosity of everyone in attendance, the event raised over $120,000 to support the mission.

We extend our profound gratitude to the many individuals, companies, and institutions that made the evening possible including the Sing Out and READ Board of Directors, whose unwavering support guided the event from start to finish; our consultant, Patricia Douglas, who played an instrumental role in every aspect of the production; Presenting Sponsor Raymond James; Valley Bank and the numerous individual donors who contributed so generously; and finally, the dedicated Sing Out and READ staff, whose months of hard work brought the entire celebration to life.

Thank You to Our Sponsors, Supporters and Partners:

As we approach the end of 2025, we are confident in finishing the year in a strong position—poised to move aggressively into 2026 and reach even more struggling students to improve their reading skills. The number of children who do not read at grade level remains astonishing and, at times, overwhelming, but with your support, Sing Out and READ can make an enormous difference in their lives.

The event also marked the exciting debut of our new “Super Kids” mascots. We are confident these vibrant characters will help SOAR capture greater attention and engagement in the coming months and years.

From everyone at Sing Out and READ, thank you for joining us to celebrate Carlo’s remarkable legacy and the unique harmony between music and literacy that defines our mission.

If you'd like to continue supporting our mission, there's still time to contribute!

Check out photos from the event below: