Mayor Nutter reads to KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School students

It was still dark outside—an indication that we are in fact knocking on winter’s door—when Theresa Harnisch and I met at the office to grab the last few boxes of books, First Book bookplates and goody bags for our press conference to announce First Book’s Second Annual Book Bash at the KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School (KWPP) in Philadelphia. Once we loaded the car and made a quick stop at the nearby Starbucks for some much needed caffeine, we were on our way with plenty of time to hit the DC and Baltimore morning rush hour and still make it on time.

We easily made our way out of the city, all the while talking about how excited we were to kick-off First Book’s Second Annual Book Bash with the students at KWPP. Thanks to the great work of Heather Steinmiller and the Pennsylvania Children’s Foundation, the results from last year’s inaugural event enabled First Book to bring more than 28,000 brand new books to the children of Pennsylvania, including the KWPP program.

As we drove and talked through the press conference guests, including Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Mark Mannella, founder of KWPP, we heard a large rock hit the car followed by the sound of a pack of Harleys coming up behind us. However, we looked around to find no Harleys in sight but, instead, a blown out tire on the back passenger side of our vehicle. We immediately pulled over and found the road side information and the owner’s manual, learning we didn’t actually have a spare tire only a sealant compressor kit. Lovely, we both thought. Realizing it would be a while before the tow truck made it, we stepped onto the pavement in our heels and attempted to repair the tire ourselves, thinking with the owner’s manual, how hard could it be.

After giving the sealant compressor the maximum time allowed, we decided the tire was beyond repair and jumped back in the car to warm up. Thankfully, a generous Maryland Comptroller stopped to help and was able to give the tow truck exact directions to our whereabouts. We jumped in the tow truck and headed to the nearest tire shop which had already been contacted by the tow truck to make sure they had the tire we needed to get back on the road.

The friendly people at the body shop got us in, out and back on the road in a flash! We were feeling much better and counting our blessings when we reached our first toll—with no cash. Searching every compartment of the vehicle, we were able to find the exact change needed for the toll. We were feeling relieved and positive until we came across another toll…and another. Thinking nothing else could possibly happen on this trip and working what positive energy we had left, we made it through the tolls, past all the speed checks without getting pulled over and, finally, reached the giant Pennsylvania state welcome sign with relief.

We finally made it to the press conference (in one piece) and the event couldn’t have been more successful. The press conference started with remarks from Mark Mannella, followed by First Book’s very own Theresa Harnisch and concluded with a heartfelt message from Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. We visited each of the three 5th grade classrooms and got a little taste of the KIPP “family” model.

All the drama of getting there was washed away and well worth it when one of the children raised his hand to answer Mayor Nutter’s question: “What do you like most about KIPP?” His answer: “They care about us and what happens to us.” I was floored with the fact that a student of this age not only saw the bigger picture of why his school was founded but lived and understood it. His appreciation will continue to be my inspiration for helping children “climb the mountain to college” and life-long success.

Learn how you can be a part of First Book’s work in the lives of children in need across the country through this year’s Book Bash event. Visit www.bookbash.org to find out more!