Read(y) to Wear 2025 Brings Legends, Fairytales, and $150,000 for Literacy

Madison Reading Project’s signature fundraiser, Read(y) to Wear, was back for it’s 8th annual show on June 11th, 2025. We are so excited to announce that we had record-breaking results, raising over $150,000 to support local literacy programs and our incredible educators.

Held at The Sylvee, this year’s event welcomed 500 guests for a super fun evening of wearable paper fashion inspired by the theme “Legends and Fairytales.” Eleven design teams brought 13 original looks to life, using 90% paper materials as they competed for the top prizes in front of the judges and our audience.

First place was awarded to Phenomenal Woman, a striking collaboration between designer Suzanne Sawyer, Ashro, and UMOJA Magazine. Enchanted Forest, by returning designer Laura Musekamp, took second place, while Paper Dolls by Pam Kilian, another returning favorite, earned third place.

This year’s event was co-hosted by Rowan Childs, Madison Reading Project founder and co-executive director, alongside Bianca Breeze, a longtime local performer and Miss Gay Wisconsin USofA 2023, and Jason Ilstrup, president of Downtown Madison, Inc. The trio guided guests through an evening of fashion, creativity, and community-driven impact.

The runway designs were judged by a panel of six local creatives and leaders: artist Lon Michels, Deputy Mayor Dr. Linda Vakunta, UW–Madison professor and artist Dr. Faisal Abdu’Allah, etiquette expert and crown designer Doris Williams, cultural producer Andy Adams, and artist/activist Kelly Snider Parks. Entries were judged based on originality, craftsmanship, and interpretation of the event theme. 

Here’s what our attendees had to say:

“The fashion show was incredible (everyone was so talented & the looks were gorgeous), the decor was amazing, and the silent auction items/packages were all really fun.”

“The decor was great, several places to interact, show was hosted well, not too long, not too short.”

“Stage set up was beautiful. Venue and accommodations for teams were great. The food for guests looked amazing and had great feedback. The images were great too.”

Stephanie Grenzer, the Community Giving Manager at Summit Credit Union, said this:. “What an incredible evening. From the moment you walked in, the energy was high, the venue was beautiful, the attendees were excited, and the designers and models did a phenomenal job. It was so great to see the community come together and support Madison Reading Project.”

Keep your eyes peeled as we will soon announce the date for next year’s Read(y) to Wear! This incredible event keeps growing, drawing creatives from across Dane County and beyond to take on the design challenge. Most importantly, the funds raised will help us to continue spreading the magic of reading to kids and their legendary educators across Dane County. 

Want to be part of the magic next year? Planning is already underway for Read(y) to Wear 2026. To learn more about sponsorship or participation, email rowan@madisonreadingproject.com.