Literacy Council of Fort Bend County: 11th Annual Reading between the Lines event featuring J.R. Martinez

Featured speaker at the March 28th “Reading Between the Wines” J.R. Martinez.

The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County is proud to announce that J.R. Martinez will be the featured author for the 11th Annual ​Reading ​Between the​ Lines​ event to be held at Safari Texas Ranch on Friday, March 28, 2025.  Co-chaired by Zia Anklesaria and Joe Niles, the event is sponsored by The Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation.

J.R. Martinez is an actor, best-selling author, motivational speaker, advocate and wounded U.S. Army veteran.  He is many things.  But perhaps most significantly, he is an inspiration.

Many also know J.R. as “Brot Monroe”, a combat veteran who was injured in Iraq and returned home to face the new challenges of reintegrating to civilian life, on the Emmy Award-winning daytime drama, All My Children.  In 2008, J.R.’s friend noticed an open casting call from the show, looking for a veteran to join their famed cast, and encouraged J.R. to try it out.  After several meetings with producers, he was cast, and an actor was born.  Due to his runaway popularity, what began as a three-month story arc developed into a three-year role.

After All My Children ran its final season, J.R. went on to surprise and inspire a nation on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.  Along with partner Karina Smirnoff, he won the coveted mirror ball trophy, and they were named Season 13 champions.

Sponsorship opportunities for Reading Between the Lines range from $500 to $7,500 and are available now.  Individual tickets are $125 and include live music, wine, a “restaurant stroll” featuring local restaurants, the opportunity to bid on exciting auction items and a dessert auction.

The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County’s signature fundraiser benefits adult literacy education programs and services. Since 2013, the organizations event has raised more than $1 million to invest in programs including English as a Second Language, GED Preparation, Basic Literacy, U.S. Citizenship Preparation and Basic Computer Skills.

Join us as we celebrate another successful event at the 11​th​ Annual Reading Between the Lines​ with J.R. Martinez benefiting the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County’s adult literacy programs.​

For more information about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for Reading Between the Lines, visit our website at https://www.ftbendliteracy.org/events.