Book Trust is a vital organization to teachers and needy school children in Maui County. Its mission is to increase the literacy skills of our keiki – and foster lifelong learning – by empowering children from low-income families to choose and own books each month of the school year.

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit’s efforts enrich the literacy culture of needy families, allow keiki to build home libraries and strengthen reading skills among schoolchildren.

Book Trust students improve their literacy levels, demonstrating a 30 percent increase toward reading at grade level proficiency, the group reported.

The Maui community can learn more about the group and support its work at the third annual “Book Trust Extravaganza: CASINO ROYALE” at Mala Wailea at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on March 14 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Guests will have the opportunity to play their favorite casino games, bid on silent auction items, enjoy cuisine by acclaimed Chef Sheldon Simeon and an open bar, and meet the community of Book Trust supporters.

All proceeds will benefit Book Trust and the thousands of Hawaii children it serves.

Book Trust issued an invitation: “Join us for a fabulous time and give the gift of literacy to a keiki in need.”

Tickets are $150; visit www.booktrust.org/casinoroyale or call (808) 280-1476. For more information, or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, e-mail Shay Belisle at Book Trust at sbelisle@booktrust.org.