Thanks to everyone who came out to volunteer on Saturday. Check out pictures from the December 2008 Reading Clubs at Hoover!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thank You November Readers!
UCLA volunteers at the Annual College Spirit DayThank you November Readers!
Thanks to all the 521 volunteers who came out to read to the 1,124 students at our "Sports, Games and Fun" reading clubs. Also, thanks to all who supported our Annual College Spirit Day by wearing college gear! Among the 62 schools represented, UCLA led all schools with 95 participants. Congrats UCLA grads! Other top schools were:
CSU-Long Beach - 31
USC - 22
Stanford - 19
Michigan - 10
Here is what some of the volunteers are saying ...
"Spending one morning a month reading with these kids is an easy way I can make a difference - in my life as well as theirs!"
-Kristen Stancik, Hoover Volunteer
"... They got so into the book and the games that we played and the arts and crafts that by the end, they were all laughing and talking and having a good time."
-Michelle Keh, Hoover Volunteer
"Keep it up. I'm glad a program like this exists."
-Michael Eiff, Alta Loma Volunteer
Our next reading clubs will be Saturday, December 13th. Make sure to sign up TODAY for December's reading clubs at http://readingtokids.org/Home/main.php!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Support Reading to Kids - Donate Today!
Reading to Kids needs your support to continue inspiring kids with a love of reading! Visit http://readingtokids.org/News/2008AnnualFundDrive.html to make a donation of any amount during our Annual Fund Drive.
As we continue to bring our reading clubs to more kids and look to expand the program to new schools in our Los Angeles community, we are asking for your help. Please let your friends and family know how they can make a difference, and please consider making your own donation to Reading to Kids this year. A contribution of any amount can make a huge impact.
Just $5 can provide 4 books for kids to take home from the reading clubs, $50 is enough to buy 4 hardcover read aloud books for our partner school libraries, and $500 can cover the cost of an entire year's worth of books for parents at one school!
For more information, please visit our Annual Fund Drive page at http://readingtokids.org/News/2008AnnualFundDrive.html or contact Jessica Tritsch at Jessica.Tritsch@readingtokids.org.
As we continue to bring our reading clubs to more kids and look to expand the program to new schools in our Los Angeles community, we are asking for your help. Please let your friends and family know how they can make a difference, and please consider making your own donation to Reading to Kids this year. A contribution of any amount can make a huge impact.
Just $5 can provide 4 books for kids to take home from the reading clubs, $50 is enough to buy 4 hardcover read aloud books for our partner school libraries, and $500 can cover the cost of an entire year's worth of books for parents at one school!
For more information, please visit our Annual Fund Drive page at http://readingtokids.org/News/2008AnnualFundDrive.html or contact Jessica Tritsch at Jessica.Tritsch@readingtokids.org.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thank You October Readers & Magicians
Thanks to the 511 volunteers who came out to read to 1,440 kids at our October "Halloween, Mysteries, and Magic" Reading Clubs on October 11th! This month we broke the record for number of volunteers AND number of parents at the reading clubs, and we had the second largest student attendance in Reading to Kids history!
Special thanks to all of our volunteer magicians:
Alta Loma: David Cotelessa,
Esperanza: Matthew Bakal & Danny Passman
Gratts: "Pun" aka Mark Maxwell-Smith
Hoover: Jessie Altimirano
Los Angeles: Jim Richardson
Magnolia: Raul Fernandez
Politi: Frank Padilla
White: Robert De la Guerra
Here's what some of our volunteers are saying:
"I look forward to it every month, it's a wonderful program."
-Jason Rinka, Alta Loma Volunteer
"I'd been looking for a program to read to children so imagine my surprise when I found such a remarkable organization filled with positivity, purpose and love. I think this program should be in every school district across America. Thank you!"
Janelle Connor, Alta Loma Volunteer
"Reading to Kids is a great experience for both the kids and the volunteers, it is awesome!"
-Ramon Roullard, Esperanza Volunteer
"I have very little experience with children, but wanted to volunteer in the community. When this opportunity came my way, I figured I'd give it a try. After my first reading group I was so enthused I went back to my college- Whittier College- and am now in the process of getting greater support for this important organization from the students here on campus. I am so glad I went, I had a smile for the rest of day!"
-Jennice Ontiveros, Esperanza Volunteer
"A child asked me to draw a bat. We worked on it for 20 minutes, cut it out, and it actually flew a little. Success is sweeeeeet!"
-Damon Dunbar, Gratts Volunteer
"Since I was really young my mother ran a day care center from our home. I hadn't been around children since going away to college and moving to LA. In my first weekend volunteering with Reading to Kids, I now remember the joy that comes with having children in our lives."
-Joelly Mejia, Los Angeles Volunteer
"My work schedule has had me working 7 days a week recently. I specifically set some time aside Saturday morning to participate in Reading To Kids, and it helped to wake me up and refocus myself in other endeavors."
-Andrew Pettit, Politi Volunteer
"It really is such a rewarding experience every time which keeps me coming back."
-Winne Liu, White Volunteer
"My work schedule has had me working 7 days a week recently. I specifically set some time aside Saturday morning to participate in Reading To Kids, and it helped to wake me up and refocus myself in other endeavors."
-Andrew Pettit, Politi Volunteer
Special thanks to all of our volunteer magicians:
Alta Loma: David Cotelessa,
Esperanza: Matthew Bakal & Danny Passman
Gratts: "Pun" aka Mark Maxwell-Smith
Hoover: Jessie Altimirano
Los Angeles: Jim Richardson
Magnolia: Raul Fernandez
Politi: Frank Padilla
White: Robert De la Guerra
Here's what some of our volunteers are saying:
"I look forward to it every month, it's a wonderful program."
-Jason Rinka, Alta Loma Volunteer
"I'd been looking for a program to read to children so imagine my surprise when I found such a remarkable organization filled with positivity, purpose and love. I think this program should be in every school district across America. Thank you!"
Janelle Connor, Alta Loma Volunteer
"Reading to Kids is a great experience for both the kids and the volunteers, it is awesome!"
-Ramon Roullard, Esperanza Volunteer
"I have very little experience with children, but wanted to volunteer in the community. When this opportunity came my way, I figured I'd give it a try. After my first reading group I was so enthused I went back to my college- Whittier College- and am now in the process of getting greater support for this important organization from the students here on campus. I am so glad I went, I had a smile for the rest of day!"
-Jennice Ontiveros, Esperanza Volunteer
"A child asked me to draw a bat. We worked on it for 20 minutes, cut it out, and it actually flew a little. Success is sweeeeeet!"
-Damon Dunbar, Gratts Volunteer
"Since I was really young my mother ran a day care center from our home. I hadn't been around children since going away to college and moving to LA. In my first weekend volunteering with Reading to Kids, I now remember the joy that comes with having children in our lives."
-Joelly Mejia, Los Angeles Volunteer
"My work schedule has had me working 7 days a week recently. I specifically set some time aside Saturday morning to participate in Reading To Kids, and it helped to wake me up and refocus myself in other endeavors."
-Andrew Pettit, Politi Volunteer
"It really is such a rewarding experience every time which keeps me coming back."
-Winne Liu, White Volunteer
"My work schedule has had me working 7 days a week recently. I specifically set some time aside Saturday morning to participate in Reading To Kids, and it helped to wake me up and refocus myself in other endeavors."
-Andrew Pettit, Politi Volunteer
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sign Up for the October 11th Reading Clubs!
Visit www.readingtokids.org to sign up for our October 11th Reading Clubs! Kids will hear stories about "Halloween, Magic, and Mysteries" in our October books including The Berenstain Bears Go on a Ghost Walk by Stan & Jan Berenstain in 1st grade and The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton in 3rd Grade.
To help bring our theme to life, we will be featuring a live magic show during the close of the reading clubs!
We expect a lot of kids to come to the October reading clubs to see the magicians so we need a lot of volunteers! Sign up today and bring a friend.
To help bring our theme to life, we will be featuring a live magic show during the close of the reading clubs!
We expect a lot of kids to come to the October reading clubs to see the magicians so we need a lot of volunteers! Sign up today and bring a friend.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Beach Bonfire Pictures
Thanks to everyone who came out for the Beach Bonfire on Sunday night! We had a good turnout and lots of fun. Enjoy the photos!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thank You September Readers!
Thanks to the 432 volunteers who came out to read to 1,162 kids at our September "Fantasy, Folklore, and Fairy Tales" Reading Clubs on Saturday!
Here's what some of our volunteers are saying:
"Reading to Kids is such a great way to engage children to develop a love a reading. I hope it continues to expand throughout LA."
-Naomi Fernandez, Hoover Volunteer
"There is nothing more special than the smile of a happy, fulfilled and inspired child. This past Saturday was my second time volunteering and both times I have left will my soul/spirit glass over-filling! Thank you for making this possible!"
-Maria Laing-Smith, Gratts Volunteer
"When it was over, all the kids talked about how they couldn't wait to volunteer again next month."
-Riley Ray Chiorando, Hoover Volunteer
"Being a positive role model in a child's life, even for a day, is such a rewarding and encouraging experience. Every day we finish, the children and the volunteers both leave feeling enlightened and excited."
-Andrew Lindo, Los Angeles Volunteer
"Reading to Kids is so much fun and so rewarding. It was a treat for me!"
-L Spencer Humphrey, Gratts Volunteer
"I think this is a wonderful program and I'm glad I was able to participate!"
-Robert Dagasta, Magnolia Volunteer
"I feel fortunate to have had librarians and teachers in childhood who fostered in me a love of story. I'm sure it's why I became a storyteller myself. Reading to Kids is my way of giving back."
-Laurie Viera Rigler, Charles White Volunteer
"It's a great idea and it's wonderful to help kids with the gift of reading and learning. It certainly opens up a whole new world for them. Keep up the good work!"
Grace Kono-Wells, Charles White Volunteer
"I always learn something new form the group of volunteers who show up, whether it's a new technique to deal with the kids or a new way to look at the RTK program. I also am amazed at how different every one who volunteers is."
-Richard Frazer, Magnolia Volunteer
Here's what some of our volunteers are saying:
"Reading to Kids is such a great way to engage children to develop a love a reading. I hope it continues to expand throughout LA."
-Naomi Fernandez, Hoover Volunteer
"There is nothing more special than the smile of a happy, fulfilled and inspired child. This past Saturday was my second time volunteering and both times I have left will my soul/spirit glass over-filling! Thank you for making this possible!"
-Maria Laing-Smith, Gratts Volunteer
"When it was over, all the kids talked about how they couldn't wait to volunteer again next month."
-Riley Ray Chiorando, Hoover Volunteer
"Being a positive role model in a child's life, even for a day, is such a rewarding and encouraging experience. Every day we finish, the children and the volunteers both leave feeling enlightened and excited."
-Andrew Lindo, Los Angeles Volunteer
"Reading to Kids is so much fun and so rewarding. It was a treat for me!"
-L Spencer Humphrey, Gratts Volunteer
"I think this is a wonderful program and I'm glad I was able to participate!"
-Robert Dagasta, Magnolia Volunteer
"I feel fortunate to have had librarians and teachers in childhood who fostered in me a love of story. I'm sure it's why I became a storyteller myself. Reading to Kids is my way of giving back."
-Laurie Viera Rigler, Charles White Volunteer
"It's a great idea and it's wonderful to help kids with the gift of reading and learning. It certainly opens up a whole new world for them. Keep up the good work!"
Grace Kono-Wells, Charles White Volunteer
"I always learn something new form the group of volunteers who show up, whether it's a new technique to deal with the kids or a new way to look at the RTK program. I also am amazed at how different every one who volunteers is."
-Richard Frazer, Magnolia Volunteer
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Legendary Bingo at Hamburger Mary's
Thanks to everyone who came out to Legendary Bingo at Hamburger Mary's last night! The event was a lot of fun and raised $2,257 for Reading to Kids.
Sarah Kolterman, Reading to Kids Program Coordinator, won one bingo game and Charlie Orchard, Magnolia Site Coordinator, was the grand prize bingo winner!
Check out pictures from the event:
Sarah Kolterman, Reading to Kids Program Coordinator, won one bingo game and Charlie Orchard, Magnolia Site Coordinator, was the grand prize bingo winner!
Check out pictures from the event:
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Legendary Bingo at Hamburger Mary's August 20th
Join Reading to Kids volunteers at Hamburger Mary's in West Hollywood for Legendary Bingo!
Hamburger Mary's Legendary Bingo is Los Angeles' longest running and most successful weekly charity event. Reading to Kids will be the charity beneficiary for the 7 p.m. seating (which ends at 8:30 p.m.) There is a $20 suggested donation at the door which includes 9 regular bingo games and one grand prize bingo game with fantastic prizes! The evening is hosted by Bingo-boy, sassy drag queen The Fabulous Belle Aire, and celebrity host Kim Coles.
All ages are welcome, but the show is R rated, so leave the kids at home!
For more information, please visit http://www.legendarybingo.com
Full menu and bar are available. Hamburger Mary's website: http://www.hamburgermarysweho.com
Link to Evite: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/LKFPNBRGDYHHMZKXBPLC/HM82008
PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE 6:30 IF YOU WANT TO GET IN. WE EXPECT TO FILL UP THE RESTAURANT!
Hamburger Mary's Legendary Bingo is Los Angeles' longest running and most successful weekly charity event. Reading to Kids will be the charity beneficiary for the 7 p.m. seating (which ends at 8:30 p.m.) There is a $20 suggested donation at the door which includes 9 regular bingo games and one grand prize bingo game with fantastic prizes! The evening is hosted by Bingo-boy, sassy drag queen The Fabulous Belle Aire, and celebrity host Kim Coles.
All ages are welcome, but the show is R rated, so leave the kids at home!
For more information, please visit http://www.legendarybingo.com
Full menu and bar are available. Hamburger Mary's website: http://www.hamburgermarysweho.com
Link to Evite: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/LKFPNBRGDYHHMZKXBPLC/HM82008
PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE 6:30 IF YOU WANT TO GET IN. WE EXPECT TO FILL UP THE RESTAURANT!
Thank You August Readers!
Thanks to all 412 volunteers who came out to read to 885 kids at the August 9th "Movies & Books" reading clubs.
Here's what some volunteers are saying:
"There are very few things that are more satisfying than helping a child to read. Reading for Kids makes it easy to open a child to the world of reading."
-Erica Flener, Gratts Elementary
"It's very resassuring to see that there are parents who honestly care about the experiences to which their children are exposed. The kids I've been lucky enough to work with at Reading To Kids are fantastic (not to mention, exceptionally bright) , but the parents are really the foundation of the program. I hope they (the parents) know how much their participation is appreciated, too."
-Richard Frazer, Magnolia Elementary
"When the children become so engrossed is the story that you're reading to them, it's such a delight to see the expressions on their faces and how much they're enjoying the experience that, that joy is mirrored back to the readers and it feels like Christmas morning."
-Margaret Parker, White Elementary
"Loads of fun for kids and volunteers alike! A true community-building interactive experience!"
-Leslie Reed, Hoover Elementary
"It is so wonderful to see how happy and special the children feel to be able to come to school, make special art projects, and get a book. I have always loved working with children and the feeling I get from inspiring them, but this program is so much more rewarding. Knowing that I am trying to help an underprivileged child to love learning and making their day by showing how much we care is so gratifying."
-Jennifer Segundo, Gratts Elementary
"The Reading to Kids program is a great resource for area's schools. But in addition to being an engaging experience for the students, it's also equally engaging for the volunteers. It's more than just "giving back" to the community - it's interacting with the community and knowing you're a part of it."
-Charity Tran, Hoover Elementary
Here's what some volunteers are saying:
"There are very few things that are more satisfying than helping a child to read. Reading for Kids makes it easy to open a child to the world of reading."
-Erica Flener, Gratts Elementary
"It's very resassuring to see that there are parents who honestly care about the experiences to which their children are exposed. The kids I've been lucky enough to work with at Reading To Kids are fantastic (not to mention, exceptionally bright) , but the parents are really the foundation of the program. I hope they (the parents) know how much their participation is appreciated, too."
-Richard Frazer, Magnolia Elementary
"When the children become so engrossed is the story that you're reading to them, it's such a delight to see the expressions on their faces and how much they're enjoying the experience that, that joy is mirrored back to the readers and it feels like Christmas morning."
-Margaret Parker, White Elementary
"Loads of fun for kids and volunteers alike! A true community-building interactive experience!"
-Leslie Reed, Hoover Elementary
"It is so wonderful to see how happy and special the children feel to be able to come to school, make special art projects, and get a book. I have always loved working with children and the feeling I get from inspiring them, but this program is so much more rewarding. Knowing that I am trying to help an underprivileged child to love learning and making their day by showing how much we care is so gratifying."
-Jennifer Segundo, Gratts Elementary
"The Reading to Kids program is a great resource for area's schools. But in addition to being an engaging experience for the students, it's also equally engaging for the volunteers. It's more than just "giving back" to the community - it's interacting with the community and knowing you're a part of it."
-Charity Tran, Hoover Elementary
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Volunteer Recruitment Meeting (6/30/08)
Join us for a Volunteer Recruitment meeting at the Reading to Kids office on Monday, June 30th at 7 p.m. to talk about finding new volunteer readers! Click here to view our Evite for more information or to RSVP!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
2008 Comedy Night & Silent Auction Photos
2008 Comedy Night & Silent Auction Photos
Photographs by June Czerwinski & Robert Lau
Photographs by June Czerwinski & Robert Lau
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Join Us This Weekend!
Read to Kids This Saturday! Recruit your friends!
Thanks to everyone who has signed up to read at the June 14th reading clubs. We still need over 100 more readers and we need your help!
How can you help?
(1) If you haven't signed up yet to volunteer, and you'll be in the Greater Los Angeles area this weekend, please join us at the reading clubs!
(2) Recruit your friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, enemies, strangers who seem fun....really anyone who may be interested in inspiring kids with a love of reading this weekend. There is a quick description you can use below.
Thanks!
Jessica
----------------------------------------------------------------
Read to Kids this Saturday!
Reading to Kids organizes monthly reading clubs on the second Saturday of every month at eight downtown Los Angeles elementary schools. The reading clubs run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pairs of volunteer readers read aloud to small groups of students from the elementary school (typically between 4 and 6 children per group) in a fun environment. Teachers at the elementary school provide supervision and guidance throughout the morning.
To volunteer at our next reading clubs, please visit www.readingtokids.org where you'll need to register and RSVP. For more information, please feel free to e-mail info@readingtokids.org or call (310) 479-7455.
Our next reading clubs will be held on June 14, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For exact locations, please visit www.readingtokids.org.
Thanks to everyone who has signed up to read at the June 14th reading clubs. We still need over 100 more readers and we need your help!
How can you help?
(1) If you haven't signed up yet to volunteer, and you'll be in the Greater Los Angeles area this weekend, please join us at the reading clubs!
(2) Recruit your friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, enemies, strangers who seem fun....really anyone who may be interested in inspiring kids with a love of reading this weekend. There is a quick description you can use below.
Thanks!
Jessica
----------------------------------------------------------------
Read to Kids this Saturday!
Reading to Kids organizes monthly reading clubs on the second Saturday of every month at eight downtown Los Angeles elementary schools. The reading clubs run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pairs of volunteer readers read aloud to small groups of students from the elementary school (typically between 4 and 6 children per group) in a fun environment. Teachers at the elementary school provide supervision and guidance throughout the morning.
To volunteer at our next reading clubs, please visit www.readingtokids.org where you'll need to register and RSVP. For more information, please feel free to e-mail info@readingtokids.org or call (310) 479-7455.
Our next reading clubs will be held on June 14, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For exact locations, please visit www.readingtokids.org.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Welcome to the Blog!
Welcome to the Reading to Kids Blog!
Don't forget to RSVP for our June 14th Reading Clubs this weekend. Our theme is "Superheroes and Super People." Hope you can make it.
Don't forget to RSVP for our June 14th Reading Clubs this weekend. Our theme is "Superheroes and Super People." Hope you can make it.
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