Ready Readers

The 7th Annual Non-Event is Here!

Ready Readers — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:43:07 +0000

This spring 2012, Ready Readers will host our very popular fundraiser, the Non-Event. Ready Readers sends you a fun invitation, you reply, and then you stay home to spend time with family, friends, or reading a book. The Non-Event is an easy way for anyone to make a difference and support Ready Readers, without having to get dressed up for an event. This year’s Non-Event brought to you by the adorable children’s literature character, Olivia!

Click here to make your 2012 Non-Event donation online.

Growing Vegetable Soup

Ready Readers — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:08:37 +0000

Thanks to a generous grant from The Monsanto Fund, 7,700 preschool-age children from low-income communities in our program received a copy of the book, Growing Vegetable Soup, by Lois Ehlert. With the support from The Magic House and PNC Bank, all of the children were invited to a free Growing Vegetable Soup fieldtrip at the Magic House. 3,000 children and teachers attended!! Many readers commented about how much the children enjoyed the book. One Reader told us that “one kiddo was so excited to tell him that his grandma made the vegetable soup and then they ate it.” One of our Readers made the soup with the kids! And, another Reader brought in the soup and biscuits! They went to cafeteria and they ALL tried it – some gobbled.

Ready Readers Trivia and Silent Auction Event – MAY 18, 2012

Ready Readers — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:55:09 +0000

Reserve your table today at Ready Readers Annual Trivia and Silent Auction event on Friday, May 18, 2012 at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road, 63122. Doors open at 6:00 pm with a silent auction. Trivia begins at 7:00 pm. The cost is $20 per person or $200 per table. Light snacks and soda included. Feel free to bring additional food and beverages. For more information or to download a reservation form, go to http://readyreaders-stlouis.com/events-and-news/2012-trivia-night.

Ferguson Bicycle Shop Will Donate to Ready Readers

Ready Readers — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:05:03 +0000

Spring is Right Around the Corner! If you are thinking about buying a new bike or having your bike tuned, help Ready Readers by visiting the Ferguson Bicycle Shop! Between February 8 and April 14, 2012, the Ferguson Bicycle Shop will donate TEN PERCENT (10%) of your purchase to Ready Readers. Just tell owner, Gerry Noll, also a Ready Readers volunteer, that you support us! The Ferguson Bicycle Shop is located at 429 S. Florissant Road in Ferguson. For more information, visit their website at fergusonbicycleshop.com or call them at 314-315-4940.

Record Attendance at Ready Readers’ Annual ITC Fundraiser

Ready Readers — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:26:27 +0000

On January 29, 2012, more than 300 people attended Ready Readers’ Annual Imaginary Theatre Company (ITC) Benefit at Clayton High School. ITC donated the performance of their musical, “Puss in Boots.” Before the performance, activities for the kids were led by The Magic House, Saint Louis Science Center, The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis, Circus Kaput, Claire Wedemeyer (see picture), and the Community Music School of Webster University. There was also a silent auction for the adults. Plan to join us next year! Pictures taken by photographer Yana Hotter, www.spoonfulofsugarphotography.com.

Ready Readers Awarded 2012 PNC Project Grant

Ready Readers — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:04:58 +0000

Ready Readers thanks the Arts and Education Council for a 2012 PNC Project Grant
Award! With this award, Ready Readers will be able to purchase and distribute 400 new, personalized copies of the book, White Rabbit’s Color Book, to 400 of our preschool-age children this summer. Our volunteer readers will read the book, give each child their own copy, and teach the children how to hold the book, turn pages, and follow the story. After the reading session, there will be a culminating art activity based on the book, which will teach the children about paints, primary colors, and mixing colors. For more information, visit the Arts and Education Council website at www.keeparthappening.org

Give A Special Holiday Gift!

Ready Readers — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:43:38 +0000

HONOR SOMEONE SPECIAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH A GIFT TO READY READERS!!

A tribute gift is a thoughtful and impactful way to celebrate a special person by giving the gift of reading. When you order a Ready Readers’ tribute card, the honoree will receive a card acknowledging your contribution. Your name is listed as the donor, but the amount of the gift is not indicated. In addition, you will receive a card acknowledging your tax-deductible gift, with the amount listed for tax purposes. All donors and recipients will also be listed in our annual report, unless you wish to remain anonymous. Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!

Isaac Bruce Shows Support for Ready Readers

Ready Readers — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:28:17 +0000

Dunbar School pre-school children and their teacher, Mrs. Woodland, enjoy storytime with Isaac Bruce reading "The Little Engine That Could".

Isaac Bruce, former St. Louis Rams wide receiver, read the classic, “The Little Engine That Could” to students at Dunbar School on November 17th. In partnership with Ready Readers, Bruce also donated 7,000 new, personalized copies of the book to preschool-age children in the Ready Readers program.

“We are so grateful of Isaac Bruce’s overwhelming generosity and support of the Ready Readers program,” states Lynn Yearwood, President of Ready Readers’ Board of Directors. “It is through this type of graciousness that we are able to continue to work toward achieving our mission.”

Thank you Mr. Bruce!

Holiday Book Drive at Barnes & Noble

Ready Readers — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:52:11 +0000

The Barnes and Noble at West County Mall, and the Barnes and Noble at The Shoppes at Cross Keys, have chosen Ready Readers as their “Holiday Charity”. From November 1 through December 25, when you make a purchase for yourself, you will be asked if you would like to purchase a book for Ready Readers. B&N has a selection of the books we chose for the children in our program. We hope to collect about 1,000 new books for our gift book program.

Happy Reading and Happy Holidays!!

West County Mall

113 West County Center

Des Peres, MO 63131

314-835-9980

The Shoppes at Cross Keys

13995 New Halls Ferry Rd

Florissant, MO 63033
314-830-3550

Fall Workshop for Volunteer Readers

Ready Readers — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:22:18 +0000

Volunteer readers are invited to our free, fall workshop, “How to Get the Most Out of the Book Giveaway Experience,” on Tuesday, October 18 at 6:30 pm at the Ready Readers office, 1974 Innerbelt Business Center Drive. Lisa Greening, Executive Director, will share ideas for enhancing the experience when reading –aloud the 2011-2012 gift books, including We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Little Engine That Could, The Neighborhood Sing-Along, Jamaica’s Find, Growing Vegetable Soup, and The Doorbell Rang. Bring and share your favorite read-alouds at the workshop too!