I haven’t lived in my hometown for many years, so when the First Book-Huron County, Ohio Advisory Board invited me to return for a Speed Read Event that they were hosting, I was pleased to come back and support their efforts. I had volunteered briefly with these remarkable people before moving to DC to work at the national office, so I was familiar with their efforts and appreciative of how incredibly hard they all work to help children in my native community.

It was a great event! Held at the first Annual Norwalk Heritage Festival, the readers were leaders from all aspect of the community, including politicians, candidates, school administrators, business leaders, and sponsors. The readers, all who read Go, Dog, Go! as fast as they could, seemed to be enjoying themselves along with the crowd. Most importantly, the event raised valuable funds for the community, and got the word out about First Book in the community!

As for me, it is always wonderful to see Huron County’s Advisory Board thriving, the community coming together around a great cause, and being on a business trip that includes waking up to my mother’s blueberry pancakes.