Rutgers Students Support Literacy with Open Mic Fundraiser

Special thank you to Damarest Hall at Rutgers University for donating the proceeds from their merchandise sales towards our goal to find a home for our non-profit, community bookstore.

Damarest Residence Hall executive board members contacted Hidden Gems Literary Emporium to be the beneficiary of their February 2024 open mic event.

During the event, Rutgers students spoke about the importance of the work we do, and why it is important to support reading and education. Many Rutgers students offered to pass out flyers, donated, and shared our GoFundme link.

Hidden Gems co-founders, Kaila and Raymond Sykes, first met across the street from Damarest at the Rutgers Student Center while they were attending Rutgers University. Kaila has returned to Rutgers for her Masters degree in Global Public Health where her focus is illiteracy as a public health issue.

Hidden Gems works with several Rutgers departments and student groups, organizing book drives, presenting keynotes, and providing literary programs and initiatives.

Stationed in downtown New Brunswick, NJ since the beginning, our co-founders are saddened to have to now find a new home for their bookstore. They are asking for the support of Hidden Gems supporters everywhere to please share the fundraiser.