March 19, 2008

Get on Board: Things To Do

Drop Everything and Read! National Drop Everything and Read Day draws near and on April 12th, families are encouraged to take at least 30 minutes to put aside all distractions and enjoy books together. First Book would love to hear about National D.E.A.R. Day celebrations happening in your community! Please email stories of events and celebrations in your community to Rachael Voorhees at rvoorhees@firstbook.org.

If you are looking for ideas for how to celebrate on April 12, check out D.E.A.R. Day resources. Also, make sure to request your free D.E.A.R. poster by March 21, 2008 at the D.E.A.R. website.

First Book is making four wonderful Beverly Cleary titles, Ramona the Pest, Dear Mr. Henshaw, Ramona Quimby, Age 8, and The Mouse and the Motorcycle, available in both English and Spanish. You, or Recipient Groups in your community, can still place an order on the First Book Marketplace for Beverly Cleary titles in English and Spanish to use for D.E.A.R. Day events through March 25 th.

Food for Thought: Things to Know

FBU in Florida. First Book University kicked off the year with a reception and Seminar in Tampa on Friday, February 22. Both events were held at the offices of our partners, SunTrust Mortgage. On Thursday evening, SunTrust Mortgage associates, Advisory Board members, Recipient Groups, and community members gathered to network and learn more about First Book.

Jennifer Pierce with Bess the Book Bus provided a snapshot of what it has been like to receive books from the First Book Marketplace and National Book Bank. She brought wonderful photos and letters from the children and drove to the event in Bess (see photo). Ken Bakunas, chair of First Book-Tampa Bay, provided the Advisory Board’s perspective and turned out to be the popular person of the evening as programs approached him to learn more about how to receive books from the Board.(read more)

Spotlight of the Month

Spotlight of the Month: 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!