Reading to Kids News

March 21, 2002  

Thanks for Another Great Turnout in March!

Between the two schools, we had 392 kids and 158 volunteers. In fact, many of you signed up so early that all the reader spots were completely filled several days before the RSVP deadline. Thanks again to all of you who helped at the March Reading Clubs, and please try to get your RSVPs in early to secure yourself a spot at the next reading clubs on Saturday, April 13!

Youth, INC Celebration Was a Success!

Magic Johnson speaks about fathers serving as role models for their kids and about the importance of service to the community.

Reading to Kids was one of 11 outstanding Los Angeles community-based youth organizations showcased at Youth, INC's second annual "A Celebration to Benefit Los Angeles Kids" on March 4, 2002 at Jillian's at Universal CityWalk. The evening featured an awards ceremony honoring community heroes James Belushi, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Dr. Peter Waldstein.

Forrest Whittaker poses with R2K volunteer Annie.

Through its active participation, Reading to Kids received a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to the event. In a span of only 7 years, Youth, INC has supported over 30 youth programs and has helped those non-profit groups raise over $7,500,000 for their programs benefiting kids! Thanks to all the volunteers who helped Reading to Kids participate in this wonderful event!

Donors Help Us Continue Our Mission!

Financial support from foundations, corporations, and individuals allows us to maintain and expand the reading club program, purchase teacher-selected books for elementary school libraries in low-income communities, and fund book donations directly to children to aid them in developing their own home libraries.

Within the last few weeks, we have received several corporate donations, including $500 from Adelphia and $500 from the Wells Fargo Foundation. In addition, the Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation made a $1000 donation to Reading to Kids in honor of one of our volunteers, Margo Wuence.

Another of our volunteers, Regina Turney of Warner Music Group, applied for an "Employees Caring and Helping Others" (ECHO) grant from AOL Time Warner last December, and we just received a notice last week that Reading to Kids has been selected to receive a $1000 grant. Thanks to Regina, Margo, dedicated Reading to Kids fundraisers, and all of the generous donors who continue to fuel our efforts to promote improved reading and learning skills in elementary school children!