Read To Me: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

This past November, 84 high-level executives took time out of their busy schedules to participate in the Read To Me Early Literacy Program, organized by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and the School District of Philadelphia and sponsored by Bank of America. These businessmen and women read to over 2,000 pre-K and Kindergarten students at 15 public schools throughout Philadelphia. With the goal of promoting the importance of early childhood literacy and regularly reading aloud to young children, Read To Me demonstrated the business community’s commitment to Philadelphia’s youth.

The reach of this program went much farther then those specific classrooms on that particular day. It inspired many of the CEO-participants to take action in Philadelphia’s fight against illiteracy, helping schools build libraries and fund classrooms.

Three months after the program, these executives continue to give back to the elementary schools. Following are a few highlights of their generosity:

After visiting the children during Read To Me in 2005, Dennis Powell, President of Massey Powell Enterprises, Inc. sought to do more to help out the school. He offered to match the annual holiday fund given to a worthy cause by the Wishbone Table of the Union League and donated a library to Mary Bethune School, Felix Trinidad Head Start. The library was dedicated in his name the morning of Read To Me 2006.

After his first year participating in Read To Me in 2005, Vince Powers, Partner at Devine & Powers Communications Group, arranged for a contest among Kindergarten students at Webster Elementary School to design the company’s holiday card. Contest winners Jeffrey Brown, 2005, and Heather Chybinski, 2006, were recognized on the cards for their spirited drawings, and both years, Devine & Powers donated $500 to Webster Kindergarten classes.

Rebecca Campbell, President and General Manager of 6 ABC, read to students at M. H. Stanton Elementary School during Read To Me 2006. Not only did she have a wonderful time, she was so moved by the need of the children at the school that she implemented a book drive at her television station. The station collected over 600 books, which they dropped off at the North Philadelphia school for the holidays.

Shelley Boyce, President and CEO of MedRisk Inc. was so excited about her Read To Me experience that she collected books for Marin Elementary School, where she read. She explains, “I was truly delighted to take part in such an important endeavor, as well as having the opportunity to read to such a wonderful—and receptive—audience of young children…[I] look forward to my participation next year.”

By all accounts, Read To Me was a great success. All of its participants and sponsors made a difference in the lives of Philadelphia’s young students. After all, there is no skill more valuable than reading.

Aramark, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Lockheed Martin, UPS, and Wal-Mart also supported the event.

If you would like to participate in Read To Me 2007, contact Tara Quay at tquay@greaterphilachamber.com or 215-790-3732.