Books For Africa Atlanta Fundraiser Brings Together Leaders and Supporters for a Shared Vision

Books For Africa brought together supporters, community leaders, and advocates for literacy at its 2026 Atlanta Fundraiser, celebrating the power of books to expand educational opportunity and strengthen communities across Africa.

The event opened with a welcome from Niclette Mundabi, Books For Africa Board of Directors, followed by recognition of the generous sponsors who helped make the gathering possible. Patrick Plonski, Books For Africa Executive Director, recognized the organizations and individuals whose partnership continues to advance Books For Africa’s mission of shipping books and educational resources to communities across the continent.

A highlight of the program was a success story featuring Adetunju Adesasan, offering guests a firsthand look at the difference access to books and education can make. Perry Mitchell also shared The Volunteer Experience, highlighting the important role volunteers play in supporting Books For Africa’s work.

The program featured Ginger Patton Schmidt, EVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Better World Books, who introduced the keynote speaker, His Excellency Ambraham Mengistu Gemechu, Deputy Ambassador of Ethiopia to the United States. His Excellency shared remarks connecting the importance of education, literacy, and partnership to Ethiopia and communities throughout Africa. He said:

"For young boys and girls in the countryside of Ethiopia – inthe North, South, East or West – all the way from primary schools to universities, a book from Books For Africa is not just a donation. It is access. It is equity. It is what can lay a solid path that turns attendance into achievement, and achievement into opportunity. So, it is not hyperbolic if we state that a book is indeed a meal that feeds for a lifetime!"

Click here to see Deputy Ambassador full Remarks: https://booksforafrica-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/kaylee_booksforafrica_org/IQBVEd2IWKq8Rb8geROL-QahATpopiJqmz5UaOGrnSsDRP0?e=6XoWdl

The event also looked toward the future. Fatima Lawson, President of the Books For Africa Board of Directors, presented The Next Step, encouraging supporters to remain engaged in building access to books and educational resources.

Books For Africa extends its sincere appreciation to the 2026 Atlanta Fundraiser sponsors:

• Stillman Family Foundation

• Better World Books

• MK Management Company

• Norfolk Southern

• Textbook Warehouse

• Perry Mitchell & Pam Woodley

Their support helps Books For Africa continue its work of collecting, shipping, and distributing books throughout Africa. Together with donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters, these sponsors are helping put books into the hands of students, educators, families, and communities where they are needed most.

The Atlanta Fundraiser was a meaningful celebration of the people and partnerships behind the mission—and a reminder that every book shipped represents an opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future.