A relatively new non-profit that puts books into the hands of youngsters is hosting a black-tie benefit on Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Paul D. Camp Community College Regional Development Workforce Center.

We encourage people to attend the event hosted by the Jameer Woodley Reading Foundation.

Residents Hattie Francis, Sara Johnson and Teri White founded the organization about a year ago in memory of Jameer, a 4-year-old who was struck by a bus and killed at Riverdale Elementary School on Jan. 9, 2009.

The goal of the foundation is to encourage children to read at a young age.

The foundation raises money to provide books for underprivileged elementary and middle school students so they can keep books, reread them and own them.

The evening will include a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, so it could be a lot of fun, too.

The cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the presentation of items from 7:30 to 9.

For tickets, call Francis at 377-7138 or go to Fred’s restaurant in downtown Franklin.