Mid-Columbia

News and Events

MSA Leads Book Drive to Support Teachers, Libraries & Caregivers

The Children’s Reading Foundation collected the books on May 8th after MSA volunteer employees sorted the donated books into age-appropriate boxes and attach ‘donated by’ stickers on the inside covers. MSA and its partner companies collected gently used and new children’s books on the Hanford Site from April 23 through May 4.

MSA donated the books to the Children’s Reading Foundation who will in turn distribute 50 books to first time teachers for use in their classrooms and replenish community ‘reading baskets’ in doctors’ offices and other community locations where children accompany parents on outings.  The Foundation also will provide books to local elementary schools for use in book swap meets and provide local in-home day care facilities with books for use by children enrolled in their care.

In addition to providing books to the Children’s Reading Foundation, MSA’s President Frank Armijo and Chief Operations Officer Dave Ruscitto presented MSA’s sponsorship check for the nonprofit agency’s Books for Babies Program that ensures each baby born in the community is welcomed with a new book.  MSA generously provides $10,000 annually to support the Books for Babies literacy program.

Reading Foundation to transition to new Executive Director

Brian Ace, Executive Director of the Children's Reading Foundation, will be transition to lead another non-profit in our community.  After two years of service, this leaves Brian with mixed emotions as his time with the Reading Foundation has been a joy and blessing.  The Board and organization are committed to a seamless transition, and Brian plans to maintain an active presence in the organization until a new Director is hired.

The Board of Directors is currently seeking job applicants for the position of Executive Director.  A link with the job description has been provided below.  If interested in applying, please send cover letter and resume to board@readingfoundation.org.

 http://issuu.com/read20minutes/docs/ed_job_description_board_proposed_2012-1

Read to Lead Generates $40,000 for Literacy Programs

Children’s literacy programs will continue to flourish thanks to the generous contributions received at the 2012 “Read to Lead” breakfast event benefiting the Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia. The event, sponsored by Sun Pacific Energy, attracted 350 guests and raised more than $40,000.

Sun Pacific Energy’s gracious support of the event ensured that guests could attend the event at the Three Rivers Convention Center on April 17^th at no cost. Attendees were treated to an inspirational speech by keynote speaker Scott Smiley, a Tri-Cities’ native and the Army’s first blind active-duty officer. The “Read to Lead” breakfast event also featured the 2012 Literacy Champion Award, which recognizes an individual or group that supports and promotes literacy programs and efforts to help kids have access to books in our community.

This year’s Literacy Champion Award went to the Kennewick Masonic Lodge #153 for their Bikes for Books Program.  The 2011 award winners, Hank and Nancy Sauer, presented the group with the award.

     The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia will use the funds raised during the event to improve literacy in our community. You can see how donations are turned into action by clicking on the links provided below. Following the breakfast event, Scott & Tiffany Smiley traveled on the Sun Mart Reading Van to James McGee Elementary School in Pasco for a reading event and book distribution. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this event a success! Your gifts and support have momentum! Be sure to check out the links to see how the "Read to Lead" breakfast was celebrated in our community. 

www.facebook.com/read20minutes

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/04/18/1908184/blind-army-officer-shares-his.html

http://www.kndu.com/story/17515646/armys-first-blind-active-duty-soldier-advocates-reading

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/read20minutes/sets/72157629486480822/

Columbia Center Rotary Invests in Community Literacy

        Thanks to funds received from this year’s Columbia Center Rotary Duck Race—which raises money for various charitable organizations throughout the community—waiting rooms and offices throughout the community will be a little more enjoyable for kids and families. The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia received more than $15,000 to purchase 250 community reading baskets that will be placed in various locations, including medical waiting rooms, laundromats, and restaurants.

   Children often accompany their parents and guardians when they run errands. Books are an enjoyable outlet for kids and give families an opportunity to read together while they are waiting at an area business. This is a convenient and effective way to encourage families to read together 20 minutes every day!

   Columbia Center Rotarian and Committee Chair for Duck Race funds, Cathryn Tames, said this project is a perfect example of how the civic group can bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service. “The ability to provide 250 community reading baskets to reach thousands of children in our community is a testament of the impact we can make by working together. We are proud to be able to promote literacy and help local kids develop a love of reading.”

The Reading Foundation unveiled the community reading baskets at the March 1st Columbia Center Rotary luncheon.   Rotarians with businesses that have requested a community reading basket were able to take the book baskets with them following the meeting for immediate use in waiting rooms and offices.  In upcoming weeks the Children’s Reading Foundation will distribute the remaining baskets to strategic locations in our community.

Herald Supports Reading Foundation with $25,000 Sponsorship

   Nonprofits typically have small or nonexistent marketing budgets, and rely on the generosity of local media outlets to spread the word about programs the benefit the community. The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia is proud to announce that the Tri-City Herald has generously signed on to support literacy education and efforts for local kids.

   The Tri-City Herald will once again provide the Reading Foundation with $20,000 worth of advertising throughout 2012, which will be used to promote programs such as READY! for Kindergarten, Community Reading Events, the Summer Reading Program and fund raising events such as Read to Lead and Books & Vines.  In addition to 500 inches of advertising space, the Tri-City Herald will provide up to 126 inches in September 2012 to promote Literacy Day, a co-branded effort between the two organizations.