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You are currently browsing the First Book Blog weblog archives for March, 2008.
Archive for March 2008
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Gates’ Random Fact of the Week
March 31st, 2008
Gates
Leave a Comment »Redheads may be a thing of the past according to the Oxford Hair Foundation which predicts their numbers will dwindle down to none by 2100. I am one of four redheaded children which according to my family doctor is a genetic anomaly.
I hate to think in less than 100 years that there will be no more redheaded children. Imagine Pippi Longstocking having blonde hair, and the story would not have the same flare.
So, next time you’re out and about, count how many redheads you can find. You make the call - rare or not?
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News From the North
March 28th, 2008
Katie B.
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First Book announces the expansion of its efforts to serve kids in need throughout North America. This spring, First Book/Le Premier Livre launches in Canada, taking our mission of providing children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books internationally.Eva Solujan, a tenured entrepreneur with experience in cause marketing and business development and a passion for children’s literacy and books, leads our new office. As Executive Director, Eva focuses on raising funds, building community alliances and distributing new books to programs serving children in need across all provinces.
Want to get involved? First Book/Le Premier Livre is looking for partners — from volunteering and outreach to fundraising and networking, you can be a part of First Book/Le Premier Livre, at this exciting time. Contact us to learn how you can help to make our work in Canada a success!
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What a three-year-old taught me about reading
March 27th, 2008
Marc C.
Leave a Comment »Although I’m somewhat new to First Book, I wanted to share my story of the first time I read to my niece, which happened about a year ago. The experience reminded me why First Book’s work is so important.
I drove up to Pennsylvania for a visit with my older sister and brother-in-law, but mostly to see my three-year-old niece, Elyssa. After a full day of playing with Elyssa – everything from playing with Dora the Explorer dolls to giving pony rides on my back – it was time for bed. I don’t think three-year olds have any desire to go to bed – ever. As Elyssa cried and screamed on her way upstairs, it was pretty obvious that this little girl was no exception. About an hour later, my sister returned with Elyssa in her arms. She sat Elyssa in my lap and said (in her older sister ‘I’m-gonna-get-you-for-this’ voice) “You got her all worked up! Here you go, Uncle Marc.” (more…)
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First Book Hard at Work
March 26th, 2008
Erin T.
Leave a Comment »This week First Book staff rolled-up their sleeves in Jessup, Maryland and labeled, shipped and loaded almost 200,000 books. I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…
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Conversations About HER: Spoken Word and Stage Play to Benefit First Book
March 25th, 2008
Diane N.
Leave a Comment »What: Conversations About HER - A Stage Play combines spoken word, music and poetry to tell a story of love and loss.
Where: The Atlas Theater (Washington, D.C.)
When: Friday, March 28, 8:00 PM
Conversations about HER – The Stage Play is based on the debut novel of the same name written by Tim O., a Washington, D.C. native and graduate of the D.C. Public School system. Fifty cents from the sale of every ticket will benefit First Book. Tim explains:“I grew up in DC and even went to college here. So, why not start at home to benefit other young people that surely have great potential? It makes me feel wonderful to know that a greater good is being accomplished by the production.”
To learn more or purchase tickets, please visit www.AtlasArts.org.
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Thank you from First Book Kids!
March 24th, 2008
Erin T.
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Some great notes for a Monday morning….
(Left): Thank you for the books you sent to Vinedale School. We appreciate the books you sent us.
(Right): Thank you for giving us a good book. I like Bearobics and Friends at School because it has very nice printing.
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FBU Goes to Baltimore
March 21st, 2008
Molly W.
Leave a Comment »College students from Georgetown and the University of Maryland – College Park, a representative from the DC Public Schools, KPMG employees, and SunTrust Mortgage associates were among those gathered for FBU Baltimore on Friday, March 7. Attendees started the day with a lively game of Jeopardy to test their First Book knowledge followed by sessions on Mapping the Fundraising Universe and the DNA of an Effective Board.
We were very excited to welcome Cory Anderson of the Annie E. Casey Foundation as a guest speaker during lunch. Cory is with KIDSCOUNT, which is an online resource that many Advisory Boards use when determining the number of children living in poverty in
the communities they are serving. We also gave a First Book-Hero Award out at the event to Jennifer Pitt, who made the drive from Philadelphia to participate! First Book – Philadelphia is one of the longest standing and most successful Advisory Boards. Congratulations Jennifer!
A big thank you goes out to SunTrust Mortgage for providing the venue and food for the event!
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First Book Marketplace at the Social Enterprise Alliance Summit
March 20th, 2008
Chandler A.
Leave a Comment »I recently attended the Social Enterprise Alliance’s annual summit in Boston. This gathering of social change leaders from around the world brought together entrepreneurs, lenders, investors, consultants, researchers and educators from a variety of social enterprises to share best practices and highlight leading initiatives. I am happy to say that the First Book Marketplace was invited to present at two panels focusing on funding opportunities for innovative organizations.
I could not be prouder of the way First Book and the First Book Marketplace continue to harness the power of the private sector to advance social change. It was also exhilarated to be reminded how many others are doing revolutionary things in this same category around the world. To learn more about the Social Enterprise Alliance please visit www.se-alliance.org or, better yet, join us for next year’s annual gathering April 15-17 in New Orleans!
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Advisory Board Spotlight: Karen Audi with First Book-NYC
March 19th, 2008
Heather K.
Leave a Comment »Karen Audi- Outgoing Chair, First Book-New York City. First Book extends a huge thank you to March’s Spotlight of the Month, Karen Audi. In 2006, Karen partnered with co-chair Adam Krotman in New York City to re-establish a First Book Advisory Board in Manhattan. Seeing the great need in her city, Karen answered the call to service and jumped right in. She and Adam recruited members, formed a relationship with Borders flagship store in Columbus Circle and got busy raising funds and tirelessly spreading the word about First Book. Karen never hesitated to lend her support and participate in the many First Book national partnership activities taking place in New York City, including serving as a dynamic local spokesperson at corporate and networking events.
In her nearly two years as Co-Chair, Karen led the New York City Advisory Board in raising funds and granting out over 4500 catalog books to programs in Manhattan. Additionally, Karen volunteered at local book distributions and Make A Difference Day events. She reached out and partnered with other New York area Advisory Boards for events and networking and was always looking for new and creative ways to serve. Her spirit and energy will be greatly missed as she moves on to dedicate herself full time to her family and her own entrepreneurial endeavors. On behalf of First Book and all of the kids you have served, thank you for everything and good luck!
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The Cost of Dropping Out
March 17th, 2008
Elena B.
Leave a Comment »Friday’s Washington Post had a fascinating article by V. Dion Haynes about the findings of a study on D.C.’s graduation rates and the long-term effects on the city’s crime spending. The State Card report, prepared by the Washington-based Alliance for Excellent Education found that:
- “The District would save $70 million a year in crime-related costs if the male graduation rate increased by 5 percent…”
- Last year, 2,400 students failed to graduate from D.C. high schools, which will lose them $615 million in lifetime earnings.
- If those same 2,400 students had graduated, over their lifetime the city would eventually save more than $20 million in health-care costs.
As a Maryland resident, I can only imagine how many millions of dollars this would translate to for a similar 5 percent increase in graduation rates. Whatever the statistics, the message is clear, there’s more at stake when a student doesn’t get a diploma than budgeting and lost tax revenue.
What is your state’s graduation rate? Check out the National Center for Education Statistics to learn more.