Ross Foundation funds program support, technology upgrades
By Melody Simpson
Many thanks go to The Ross Foundation, a family foundation operating in the Mid-Ohio Valley region, for its recent $44,000 grant to Read Aloud West Virginia! A portion of this grant is for sustaining (or starting) Read Aloud programs in Jackson, Pleasants and Wood counties; the balance is for upgrading Read Aloud’s database. Thanks to this grant, we are completing a significant upgrade to our database program which will enable us to better track and communicate with those who are so critical to our programs’ success—our donors, volunteer readers, county coordinators and many more.
It is somewhat unusual for donors to grant funds for operating costs like salaries and technology, but Tres Ross, executive director of The Ross Foundation, recognizes the value of this type of investment. Ross, who is also involved with the West Virginia Nonprofit Association and Philanthropy West Virginia, has broad experience with what makes nonprofits successful. “I know many funders are hesitant to support overhead,” Ross commented, but said he has come to realize that nonprofit organizations need financial resources to grow their programs, and things like quality staff and technology are critical to this success.
“Over the years,” Ross noted, “I realized that ‘what you get is what you pay for.’ If you want to grow an organization and have it become a key player in the community, then you need to pay for that quality staff to implement programs.” A Wall Street Journal article entitled, “Why Can’t We Sell Charity Like We Sell Perfume?” reinforced his thoughts on nonprofit funding needs.
In 2013, three leading sources of information about U.S. charities—BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, and GuideStar—jointly wrote an open letter to charitable donors called “The Overhead Myth.” After noting the tendency of donors to focus too much on the percentage of expenditures going toward administrative and fundraising costs when deciding which charities to support, they assert that many charities should actually spend more on overhead than they do, in areas such as training, planning, evaluation and internal systems to increase their charitable impact. The open letter includes some surprising statistics on the importance of spending on overhead, and the danger of underinvesting in the type of critical infrastructure that keeps a nonprofit healthy and successful. For more information on this joint letter, see http://overheadmyth.com/.
Read Aloud’s programs, and their success, depend on educating parents, teachers, school administrators, and businesses about the critical importance of modeling the joy of reading to encourage children to want to learn to read. They also depend on recruiting, training, supporting, retaining, and tracking volunteer readers across West Virginia, and on creating, training, supporting, retaining, and sustaining strong county chapters (currently 30 and counting). Our “output,” while including some tangible items like books to distribute, is largely reflected in intangibles: Read Aloud conferences which reenergize county chapters and volunteers and help them share ideas; schools which welcome volunteer readers into their classrooms; trained volunteer readers who dependably show up each week to share their love of books; and ultimately, in more children learning, and loving, to read. All these may then be reflected in rising reading scores in schools and counties which have vibrant Read Aloud programs. But none of this happens without mundane “overhead-type” investments—like upgraded database software.
The Ross Foundation “gets it.” For this, we are exceedingly grateful.
Melody Simpson is an attorney at Bowles Rice LLP, a volunteer reader and a member of the Read Aloud West Virginia board and newsletter committee.
CAMC grant connects literacy, health
Many thanks to Charleston Area Medical Center for their recent contribution of $500 to Read Aloud West Virginia. CAMC knows that health literacy is not possible without good reading skills and that we must work to raise children who can manage their own health well. Read Aloud’s work plays an important role in the health of our communities and we are happy that CAMC acknowledged that relationship in this way!
It’s Giving Tuesday: Give the Gift of Reading!
This year, on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, Read Aloud West Virginia is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving.
Last year, more than 45,000 organizations in 71 countries came together to celebrate #GivingTuesday. Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities. We invite you to join the movement and to help get out and give this November 29 and beyond.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Donate to Read Aloud West Virginia or another beloved charity organization.
- Create your own fundraiser on Facebook in support of Read Aloud West Virginia. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is matching donations made to these fundraisers for a limited time in honor of #GivingTuesday.
- Use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to talk about charity and the causes and organizations you support.
- Volunteer! Visit our calendar or contact us at mhoyer@readaloudwestvirginia.org or (304) 345-5212 to find an orientation session near you.
How are YOU giving this #GivingTuesday?
Raising readers: impact, nostalgia intertwine in new campaign
By Sara Busse
The year was 1986. A small cadre of volunteers, arms filled with children’s books, made their way into grade schools in Charleston, ready to share their passion for reading. Little did they know the impact they would have on generations of young students.
The year is 2016. Read Aloud is in 29 counties, with hopes of spreading statewide. And those original little listeners are all grown up and reading to their children today.
Generation Read Aloud.
That theme kicks off the 2016-2017 Annual Fund campaign and will run throughout the year as the organization expands, reflects, encourages and, yes, reads.
“In this digital age, it is encouraging to hear that something as simple as a story, read aloud by an enthusiastic adult, can make a lasting impression on a child,” explained Lynn Kessler, communications and development director for Read Aloud. “We often hear stories from today’s readers about how they were influenced by Read Aloud volunteers when they were in school.”
Efforts are underway to find “grown-ups” who have fond memories of Read Aloud in their childhood classrooms. These memories will be shared throughout the winter and at Read-A-Palooza, the organization’s annual spring fundraising event. Here are a few of the stories we’ve collected from those early years in Kanawha County; we’re looking forward to hearing many more memories from across the state!
[divider height=”1″ bg_color=”orange” margin=”20″ /]Emilie Doty Love, mortgage lender, United Bank, remembers hearing Moby Dick as a child in a classroom at Holz Elementary.
I loved being read to, and it was even when I was in third grade!” Emilie said. She’s passed along her love of reading to her four sons and is now a regular reader at Overbrook Elementary in Charleston.
[divider height=”1″ bg_color=”orange” margin=”20″ /]Haley Santmyer, a teacher at Sacred Heart Grade School, remembers parents coming to read when she was a student at the school. She now shares many of those books with her second grade students.
“Having been read to as a child, I can honestly say that it helped me to become the adult reader that I am today,” Haley explained. “My love for reading developed at an early age from being surrounded by a multitude of books. Parent volunteers would come in once a week for Read Aloud at our school. I always looked forward to the Read Aloud days and loved the many different books and authors that we read. As a teacher, many of the books in my classroom library are books that were read to me in my elementary years. I hope these books will have the same effect on my students that they had on me at their age.
“When I think back to my first Read Aloud experiences the first story that pops into my head is Bony Legs by Joanna Cole. The aide in our kindergarten class would turn off the lights and read the whole book with a witch’s voice, then at the end she would scare us. We would laugh and scream and beg her to read it again,” Haley remembers. Other books she enjoyed as a child include We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel, The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble and Holes by Louis Sachar.
As a teacher, Haley sees the value of Read Aloud.
“Read Aloud encourages students to read more and can often be that child’s only exposure to literature. Without Read Aloud volunteers, many children would never be exposed to books that not only teach a valuable lesson but also expose children to [new] words and expressions,” she explained.
[divider height=”1″ bg_color=”orange” margin=”20″ /]Claire Barth, sales associate for West Virginia Commercial in Charleston, fondly recalls Read Aloud at Kenna Elementary. “I always looked forward to Read Aloud in elementary school,” Claire said enthusiastically. “It was a weekly highlight. My favorite was when my mom would come in to volunteer. She always read Junie B. Jones books. I still remember the first line of every book. She always made it fun, which to me is the most important part. Read Aloud makes reading fun.”
[divider height=”1″ bg_color=”orange” margin=”20″ /]If you grew up with a Read Aloud volunteer in your elementary school classroom, we want to hear your story! Did it influence you to become a reader? Do you recall which books made an impact or which ones were just fun to hear? Send your memories to Lynn Kessler, lkessler@readaloudwestvirginia.org.
Sara Busse is a long-time Charleston resident and community volunteer. Her work at Trinity’s Table earned her recognition as a 2016 YWCA Woman of Achievement.
Read Aloud Summit 2016
Representatives from local Read Aloud chapters across West Virginia met at Stonewall Resort July 25 and 26 to connect and share ideas and inspiration for the coming school year. This marked the third year for the Summit, which has proven to be an invaluable gathering for the organization and its local groups.
The conference addressed best practices for administering Read Aloud’s programs, which fall into four major categories: Volunteer Readers, Book Distribution, Classroom Enrichment and Parent Education. The needs and expectations of local chapters were addressed through presentations as well as group discussion.
Read Aloud staff and board members have been encouraged each year by the commitment of the organization’s volunteers and the impact the conference has had on local chapters. Here are some of the comments received from attendees after the conference this year:
“The conference was exceptional this year. It was well planned and all went smoothly. So much great information was shared by all. I can’t begin to say enough good things about the conference.”
“Excellent conference! Every moment was well invested. The Charleston team is outstanding!”
“A very pleasant experience that energized me for the coming year! Thank you for a conference well planned.”
“Enjoyed it very much. Enjoyed meeting other Read Aloud volunteers. Received a lot of good, useful information.”
A generous contribution from Read Aloud supporters Katharine and W. Marston Becker helped make the 2016 Read Aloud Summit possible. The organization is grateful to the Beckers for their support, to the staff of Stonewall Resort for their excellent hospitality and to its chapter leaders and volunteers for their incredible dedication to raising a state full of readers.
See more photos from the conference on our Facebook page.
Read-A-Palooza fundraiser most successful to date
Generous sponsors and donors joined forces with a dedicated committee of volunteers to make Read-A-Palooza 2016 an absolute success. The sixth annual event, held March 7th at Paterno’s at the Park, drew a larger crowd and raised more funds than any prior year.
According to Lynn Kessler, Communications and Development Director for Read Aloud, the organization was especially pleased with the outcome at a time when many non-profits have struggled to maintain previous levels of support for their fundraising efforts.
“This event always leaves us invigorated by the steadfast support of old friends as well as the excitement of making new ones,” said Kessler. “That held true this year in every way. We had amazing support from sponsors and donors, an enthusiastic committee and a wonderful crowd of guests!”
The happy hour-style event featured appetizers, drinks and conversation in a casual atmosphere. Guests bid on silent auction items including handmade jewelry, various West Virginia travel packages, art, meals and more.
Read-A-Palooza 2016 was presented by Platinum Sponsors Moses Auto Group, BrickStreet Foundation, The Elliot Family Foundation and Johnstone and Gabhart, LLP.
Photo (above right): Read-A-Palooza committee members Betsy Sokolosky, Johanna Miesner and Allison Boyd visit with guest and Read Aloud supporter Emma Busse.
The community that reads together
By Nikki Moses
If you asked, “What are YOU Reading?” in Randolph County last winter, you most likely heard a resounding retort: To Kill a Mockingbird. The GFWC Elkins Woman’s Club, the Rotary Club, students from Elkins Mountain School and others came together to read Harper Lee’s classic in February.
The effort was led by Randolph County’s Read Aloud President, Mary Boyd, and supported by the Women’s Club, which gave $100. They challenged the Rotary to read, hosted an essay contest with a $50 prize and invited the community to a screening of the movie version of the book at the Old Brick Playhouse in Elkins.
The essay prize was captured by a tenth grader at Elkins Mountain School. Teacher Heidi Jeffries “took this project and ran with it,” Boyd said. “She read the book with 60 students, and they really connected with it.”
One was the young man who walked away with the essay prize. “He was over the moon,” Boyd said.
People were asked to write about what, if any, prejudices exist against African Americans. The essay contest winner responded that although prejudice is less prevalent and less evident than it used to be, it still exists, and not for African Americans alone.
“The prejudice portrayed in the book is something I know firsthand. I am not an African American, although I’ve been discriminated against due to size, attractiveness and ethnic background. I am treated differently because I’m in placement and I also don’t have a family and am made fun of because of it. I tolerate this on a daily basis, and know it won’t stop but will continue.
One time I was at school when another kid found out that I was in a placement facility as a ward of the state and didn’t have a family. They announced that no one should make acquaintance with me or hang out with someone like me. I heard another student make a comment about me, ‘He doesn’t have a family and he’s a juvenile, he’s bound to be trouble; and if you hang around someone like that you’re bound to be in trouble too.’ All of my friends or the people that I thought were my friends instantly quarantined me. It was a big blow and this hurt. In these circumstances it didn’t end justly.”
Boyd said preliminary plans are underway for another reading event in the fall. She is a Randolph County pediatrician who has also participated in the Reach Out and Read program, where patients ages six months to five years receive a book each time they visit her for a checkup, for more than 20 years.
Nikki Moses is the former editor of the Read Aloud newsletter and a board member. She is an active volunteer in the Charleston community.
Photo courtesy of Mary Boyd: Boyd and teacher Heidi Jeffries visit with the winner of the To Kill a Mockingbird essay contest.
Charitable IRA rollover is a win-win
Are you age 70 and a half or older? Do you have an IRA (or more than one)? If you answer both questions yes, and are planning to make a charitable gift this year, then you should consider making a qualified charitable distribution, or QCD, from one or more of your IRA accounts. Your favorite charity will benefit, and you will save federal income taxes.
The tax laws regarding QCDs were made permanent at the end of 2015, and permit an individual to contribute up to $100,000 per year to a qualified charity by means of a direct transfer of funds from an IRA to the charity. (You cannot take a distribution from your IRA and then make the donation.) By doing so, you will avoid federal income tax on the transferred funds, as well as potential limitations on your charitable deduction. If you are required to take minimum distributions from your IRA, a QCD can satisfy this obligation.
In order to make a QCD, you must carefully comply with the rules; consultation with your personal tax advisor, your IRA custodian, and the intended charity will help ensure compliance.
Snuggle and Read Expands Across WV
By Lesley McCullough McCallister
Last summer at Read Aloud West Virginia’s annual conference, county board members and coordinators networked and shared best practices regarding ways to introduce children to the love of reading. A direct result of those collaborative conversations: Snuggle and Read events are expanding throughout the state. In these sessions, young children, along with their parents, are encouraged to snuggle up under a cozy blanket and enjoy a new book together.
The simple idea to encourage the love of reading with great books and comfy blankets has spread like wildfire in recent months as Snuggle and Read events were held in Cabell, Jackson, Mercer, Nicholas, Pocahontas and Tucker counties this spring.
Jackson County alone has held eight such events, one at each of the seven elementary schools in the county and the public library, reaching more than 200 students since March.
“Statistics show that less than twenty percent of parents are reading to their children,” said Cheryl Miller, retired Ripley Elementary kindergarten teacher and Snuggle and Read coordinator for Read Aloud of Jackson County. “This is alarming, so we were looking for new ways to promote and encourage literacy within the family.”
Miller noted parents often ask teachers, “What can I do to help my child?” Truly, one of the simplest things parents can do is read to them. Snuggle and Read events empower parents by modeling techniques that make reading together a fun experience for both parent and child.
Miller added, “We knew we were on to something because at the end of each event, someone always asked when the next Snuggle and Read event would be held.”
At a Snuggle and Read event that coincided with Valentine’s Day in Cabell County, volunteers from Community of Grace United Methodist Church and Girls Scouts Troop #1174 read to the students at Highlawn Elementary in Huntington and distributed 300 books and blankets for students to take home and share with their families.
At the end of February, Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School hosted a Snuggle and Read Family Night, where the parents and children made no-sew blankets to be used during their snuggly family reading time and picked out a book to take home.
Read Aloud West Virginia offers the Snuggle and Read program with the generous support of private and public partners in the local county chapters. Toyota Motor Manufacturing of West Virginia, Constellium, Pocahontas County Schools, and the state Title One program, are among the groups who have contributed funds, books and/or materials to make these events possible.
Lesley McCallister is a Read Aloud supporter, volunteer and newsletter contributor and a freelance journalist.
Photos (l-r): A Nicholas County family snuggles and reads about math; a Jackson County S&R workshop with Cheryl Miller (l); and T.C. Clemmons, a tecaher at Highland Elementary in Cabell County, reads a donated book with a student (photo courtesy of Sholten Singer/The Herald-Dispatch).