More Than One Hundred Executives Joined the Chamber to Promote Early Childhood Literacy

On March 31, 119 business executives from the region spent time reading to eager Kindergarten and pre–K students as part of the 5th annual Read to Me Early Literacy Program, organized by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and the School District of Philadelphia. The story tellers visited 23 schools throughout the School District of Philadelphia and read Wild About Books by Judy Sierra to more than 2,700 four-and five year olds.

Led by the corporate sponsorship of Bank of America, with support from DeVry University, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia’s Children First Fund, South Jersey Energy Solutions, UPS and Wal-mart, Read to Me promotes early childhood literacy and regularly reading aloud to young children as a building block for success.

Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia; Mark Schweiker, President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; David Cohen, Executive Vice President, Comcast and Chairman of the Board, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; and Thomas C. Woodward, President, Bank of America were among the storytellers at the event.

Studies show that children who are read to at an early age become more literate. As a result, they have a greater chance for later school success because reading is the fundamental skill on which further academic attainments are built.

The event reflects the business community’s tangible commitment to create a lasting impression on young students and their families. Each reader, as well as companies who were unable to send representatives, made a donation toward a collection of hard back books which children can take home to read aloud with their parents or caregivers. The students also received special tote bags donated by the sponsoring companies to transport their books between school and home.

The Read to Me Early Literacy Program was created by Lynn Rosenthal, a literacy leader in the School District of Philadelphia. Financial donations for books are always welcome. Executives interested in participating in next year’s event are invited to contact Tara Quay at 215-790-3732 or email tquay@greaterphilachamber.com.

Click here to view photos from the event.