The SMART Gala was established in 2003 by Kent Lewis, founder of Anvil Media, Inc. and a long-time SMART volunteer. Lewis volunteered for the SMART program for the first time in 2001. After hearing a particularly inspiring speech by Craig Wessel of the Portland Business Journal, Kent decided it was time to do something more about the sorry state of public education.

A brainstorm session resulted in Anvil's First Annual Get SMART Gala. The first event, held at Bridgeport Brewery, was a success.Anvil raised nearly $8,000 for SMART, and recruited over 30 new volunteer readers. The Second Annual Get SMART Gala generated even more funds and volunteers. With additional volunteer and sponsorship support, we hope to generate more volunteers and funds than the previous four years combined, which totaled nearly $75,000.

If you're interested in attending the next event, please sign up for email updates and do your part to support SMART by volunteering or donating today.