PEN: The 2011 PEN Literary Gala

Where: American Museum of Natural History, 79 St. and Central Park West, New York City

The 2011 PEN Literary Gala is our largest source of unrestricted support. It provides crucial funding for our work to secure the liberty of persecuted and imprisoned writers around the world, to defend freedom of expression wherever it is threatened, and to promote literature and international cultural exchange. The PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award is granted to an imprisoned writer of conscience in particularly dire circumstances. Also presented to a writer is the PEN Literary Service Award for critically acclaimed work that illuminates the human condition in original and powerful ways.

Tickets: $1,000; includes three-course meal and wine. Call (212) 334-1660 ext. 112 or 113.