Brewhaha 2025: A Night of Stories, Community, and Turning the Page

Brewhaha 2025 went off with a bang. This was our thirteenth annual Brewhaha, but it was our first time hosting the event in the fall. The season suited us. Cozy beers, warm candlelight, and books all around created the perfect atmosphere for an evening of storytelling and community impact.

Our 2025 Speakers

This year’s program featured four incredible speakers, all of whom are writers whose lived experiences shaped the stories they shared.

Becky Blue Author and Retired Nurse “The World Needs Your Words” Becky opened the evening with humor, heart, and a barnyard metaphor inspired by Anne Lamott. Drawing from her career as a nurse and her lifelong love of writing, she turned the pages of personal stories that reminded us why our words matter. Becky writes for Substack and CrunchyTales and is the author of two nonfiction books with a third on the way.

Jim Woster Retired Sioux Falls Business Person and Community Volunteer “Reading is Where it All Begins” Jim brought everyone back to the Woster family’s weekly trip to the Chamberlain Library. His stories of Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, growing up in Lyman County, and a lifetime spent in agriculture and community service reminded us why access to books matters. Jim has written a long-running column for the Tri State Neighbor and has been on air for KELO for many years.

Patrick Hicks Writer in Residence at Augustana University “Turning the Page: Fiction to Nonfiction” Patrick shared the emotional journey of shifting from fiction to nonfiction and writing about the Holocaust. His reflections on memory, responsibility, and the creative process deepened the room’s understanding of what it means to confront history through writing. Patrick is an acclaimed poet, novelist, and essayist whose work focuses heavily on the Holocaust.

Pearl Leiferman Author and Owner of Leifstyle Baking “When Turning the Page Looks Nothing Like a Fresh Start” Pearl closed the night with vulnerability and strength. She shared her story of foster care, loss, healing, and the surprising role sourdough played along the way. Pearl is the author of Broken, Blessed and Rising and One Foot Out and is launching The Refuge, a program designed to support kids who need a safe start.

Stories From Our Programs

One of the most meaningful moments of the night came from our Read to Succeed team. We were fortunate to hear from tutors Kate Althoff and Julie Christian, who shared what it looks like to walk alongside adult learners as they build confidence and new skills.

They also introduced the story of a Read to Succeed learner, Laurissa, whose journey through the program has reshaped her life in ways that go far beyond reading. Her courage, persistence, and joy filled the room and reminded everyone why free, accessible literacy support matters.

Community Made the Night

A huge thank you to the Sioux Falls Rotarians who volunteered and helped the night run smoothly. Their energy and generosity kept everything flowing from doors open to last call.

We are also grateful for our photographer, Kelcey Schroder, who donated her time and talent and captured the beauty of the evening.

And thank you to our emcee, Phil Schreck, who was the perfect guide for the night.

A Goal Met and a Night to Remember

Thanks to everyone who attended, donated, spoke, volunteered, or supported from afar, we reached our fundraising goal. Your belief in Reach Literacy keeps our programs free for the community members who need them most.

If you did not get a chance to join us and want to contribute so we can continue offering free literacy classes in our community, please click here to donate.

Brewhaha 2025 was a night of shared stories, shared purpose, and shared hope. We are still hearing from people who say it was our best yet, and we think they are right. Thank you for making it unforgettable.