For the ninth consecutive year, former Gov. Jeb Bush will host Florida’s Celebration of Reading in Bonita Springs to benefit the Family Literacy Initiative, which has provided grants to more than 120 family literacy programs around the state.

The fundraiser takes place at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa Friday, Feb. 13. Former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush will join Gov. Jeb Bush and Columba Bush in welcoming national best-selling authors, including:

Steve Doocy, the Emmy Award-winning co-host of the national “FOX & Friends” broadcast and bestselling author of “Tales from the Dad Side” and “The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook.”

Jeffrey Engel, teacher of history at the Bush School of Government & Public Service, director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs and author of “The China Diary of George H.W. Bush.”

Derrick Barnes, one of the most celebrated new voices in children’s literature with the “Ruby and the Booker Boys” series.

A.J. Jacobs, whose humorous bestsellers include “The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible” and “The Know It All: One Man’s Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World.”

Edna Hibel, America’s most collected female artist whose coffee table book is titled, “The Sundial Ticking.”

Porter Goss, former CIA director and congressman from Southwest Florida, will make a special guest appearance at the event.

Individual tickets to the Celebration of Reading are available for $250 per person, which includes the Celebration Dinner immediately following the reading program.

The event begins at 6 p.m. Sponsorships are also available and include a variety of benefits including a private luncheon prepared by Art Smith, the James Beard Award winner and former personal chef to Oprah Winfrey; a golf outing; VIP reception and preferred seating options.

The Family Literacy Initiative is administered by the Volunteer USA Foundation, which provides funding, training and technical assistance for literacy providers. Funds from Celebration help support 12 Family Literacy Academies located around the state to serve families who agree to work on learning English as a second language or earning their GED while their children are also enrolled in educational programming.

For tickets or sponsorship information for the 2009 Celebration of Reading, contact Tina Matte, event coordinator, at 239-275-5758.