Live Online Tomorrow: Reading is Fundamental’s 50th Birthday Bash

Three years ago I visited RIF Headquarters in Washington D.C. to deliver a donation from Picture Book Idea Month. I was told an incredible story of how a RIF executive had just returned from one of the poorest areas of Appalachia. She visited a school with children who lived in run-down homes of five families each. Many more lived in tents patched together. These children had no books of their own. The books RIF provided would help give them a chance to succeed.

I wish I could recall the story in full. I was riveted listening about the sheer joy of the children. Many couldn’t believe the books were theirs to keep.

Every year I have taken the proceeds from the PiBoIdMo Cafe Press shop and given it to RIF. Every year I wish it were more. RIF is a charity I believe in so deeply. I believe in the power of books and reading to transform lives.

So I am very honored to be spending the day with RIF tomorrow for their 50th Birthday Bash. In those 50 years, RIF has given more than 412 MILLION BOOKS to 40 MILLION CHILDREN. That is EXTRAORDINARY.

If you’d like to join in the festivities, we will be live streaming  on the web at rif.org/50 at 9:15am EST.

There is also a RIF 50th Toolkit with classroom activities and ways to celebrate.

And remember, for just a small donation, RIF is able to provide a child in need with much-loved BOOKS.

Thank you for reading…and for giving the gift of reading!