Mid-Columbia Reading Foundation

News and Events

Summer Reading Program a Great Success

 

The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia, in partnership with McDonald’s, has been hosting a nine week summer reading program.  Each week, children have been able to participate in reading events hosted at four McDonald’s locations.  Themes for the summer reading program have included book writing and illustrating, library use, law enforcement, and water safety.  Every child receives a new book for attending and has the opportunity to complete a reading log and be rewarded with a  free happy meal.  More than 500 children have attended the program on a weekly basis and more than 4000 books have been provided to children in our community throughout the summer.

During the final week of the program, Ronald McDonald will be our special guest.  Ronald will be returning books to young authors in the program as well as providing a magic show focused on the importance of reading.  Children will once again have the opportunity to turn in reading logs, receive a happy meal, as well as get their final book of the summer.  These reading events serve as a celebration of a summer of reading as well as an encouragement for school success in the fall.

Bechtel to sponsor Books & Vines on September 9th.

Bechtel National, Inc. has announced their Newberry Medal Sponsorship of the Books & Vines event on September 9th.  This $10,000 sponsorship, along with a $5,000 sponsorship by Sun Pacific Energy, ensure that all donations by corporations and individuals go directly to children's literacy programs in our community.  Suzanne Heaston, Communications manager for Bechtel National Inc., states that "Bechtel National Inc. is proud to support the mission of the Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia in our community.  We understand the vital role that reading plays to ensure the success of future generations.

Bechtel partnered with the Children's Reading Foundation on June 18th to host a summer reading event at Barnes & Noble.  Over 150 children were in attendance to hear classic children's books such as Fox in Socks, Horton Hears a Who, and Llama Llama Red Pajama read by Bechtel staff and community members.  Each child in attendance received a new book compliments of the Children's Reading Foundation.

Photos of the event are available on the Tri-City Herald website at:

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/06/18/1060501/gallery-bechtel-reading-foundation.html

Ridge View Elementary Brings in over 8,000 books for the Reading Foundation

The Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia was honored to be chosen as a recipient of a Careers in Education Senior Project.  Kamiakin Seniors, Madison Clement and Lauren Whitehead, choose to organize a book drive with students at Ridge View Elementary.  The classroom that brought in the most books would win a pizza party with Tri-City Americans Players.

"We wanted to donate as many books as possible as well as convey a positive message to anyone in the community who comes across our donated books," said Madison.  "Going into the book drive we really didn't expect there to be an overwhelming amount, we set a goal of 1,000 books and we felt it may have been a far fetched goal.  To our surprise we met our goal in only the first day of the book drive with over a 1,000!"

8,330 books were donated during the book drive and will be used in First Teacher libraries, family reading events, and, children's book bags in our community.  Many thanks to Madison Clement and Lauren Whitehead for organizing the project from start to finish and advocating for children's literacy.

Links to the Tri-City Herald photo gallery and KNDU news story are attached below.

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/03/09/932891/gallery-ridge-view-pizza-party.html

http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=12112546

 

Sun Pacific Energy Gives Back!

Sun Pacific Energy is celebrating National March into Literacy Month by encouraging customers to make a donation to The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia in all of their Sun Mart stores.  National March Into Literacy Month begins with Read Across America Day on March 2^nd, a national celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.  Beginning March 3^rd, community members will have the opportunity to make a donation to The Children’s Reading Foundation at all Sun Mart stores.  Customers will be able to purchase bookmarks for $1 or $5 that will be displayed on the walls of local area Sun Marts.  “Our long partnership with Sun Pacific Energy and the Eerkes family is essential in providing resources to parents and educators and ensuring that our community realizes the importance of reading 20 minutes a day with a child” said Brian Ace, Executive Director of The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia.

The event will run through March 15^th.This event was kicked off by a day spent in the Sun Mart Reading Van traveling to ECEAP, Boys & Girls Club, and YMCA programs in our community.  Each child was able to hear a Dr. Seuss story read, and then was presented with a Dr. Seuss Pop Up Book  to celebrate the day.  The Sun Mart Reading Van has an important mission in the community of modeling active reading to childcare providers and delivering resources to support engaging story times in their classrooms.

Good Bye and Hello

January 29, 2010 

Today is my last day as Director of the Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia.  The past 5 1/2 years have been a joy.  My colleagues on staff have become family.  Their passion and hard work on behalf of children inspired me every day. 

Our incredible Board of Directors led us through some tough times and we came out stronger.  Many thanks to them for their support and leadership.

I leave with no regrets and with the knowledge that the organizations is in excellent hands.  Brian Ace is familiar with and 100% dedicated to our mission.  As the New Executive Director he and this wonderful staff will take the organization to new heights.

 Please give them your support.

Marc Harden