STAMFORD, CT – November 9, 2017 – Over 400 Stamford families gathered at the Ferguson Library on Saturday, November 4, 2017, for the Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF)’s bi-annual Reading is FUNdamental book give-away. Over 25 SPEF volunteers distributed approximately 500 books to children in kindergarten through 5th grade, with each child being able to select two books to add to their home library.
In addition to the book distribution, the event included presentations from special guests from the Stamford community, performances from a professional storyteller, arts & crafts activities, and snacks. Ferguson Library Youth Service Coordinator Caroline Ward and Stamford Public Schools’ Superintendent Earl Kim kicked off the event, speaking to a sea of children seated before them. Next, special guest Senator Richard Blumenthal read to the crowd from award-winning children’s novel Wonderby R.J. Palacio, copies of which were raffled off during the event. Storyteller April Armstrong entertained the kids with her energetic drumming and creative stories. The arts and crafts activities were presented by local non-profit Caring with Grace and included creating cards for hospitalized children.
The Reading is FUNdamental book give-away was part of SPEF’s Books Across Stamford Program which distributes over 5,000 new books to local children each year. The event was generously supported by the Downey Family Foundation and sponsored by SPEF in partnership with Reading Is Fundamental, the Scholastic Possible Fund (whose mission is to “Open a World of Possible” for all children!), and the Ferguson Library.STAMFORD, CT – November 9, 2017 – Over 400 Stamford families gathered at the Ferguson Library on Saturday, November 4, 2017, for the Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF)’s bi-annual Reading is FUNdamental book give-away. Over 25 SPEF volunteers distributed approximately 500 books to children in kindergarten through 5th grade, with each child being able to select two books to add to their home library.
In addition to the book distribution, the event included presentations from special guests from the Stamford community, performances from a professional storyteller, arts & crafts activities, and snacks. Ferguson Library Youth Service Coordinator Caroline Ward and Stamford Public Schools’ Superintendent Earl Kim kicked off the event, speaking to a sea of children seated before them. Next, special guest Senator Richard Blumenthal read to the crowd from award-winning children’s novel Wonderby R.J. Palacio, copies of which were raffled off during the event. Storyteller April Armstrong entertained the kids with her energetic drumming and creative stories. The arts and crafts activities were presented by local non-profit Caring with Grace and included creating cards for hospitalized children.
The Reading is FUNdamental book give-away was part of SPEF’s Books Across Stamford Program which distributes over 5,000 new books to local children each year. The event was generously supported by the Downey Family Foundation and sponsored by SPEF in partnership with Reading Is Fundamental, the Scholastic Possible Fund (whose mission is to “Open a World of Possible” for all children!), and the Ferguson Library.
