For Immediate Release
For more information, contact Rebecca Schimke, Communications Specialist [email protected] 414.263.8125 (O), 414.704.8879 (C)
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County Hosts Children’s Writer & Illustrator of Arthur Adventure Series, Marc Brown, to Promote Childhood Literacy Reading Blitz Day also celebrated Reader, Tutor, Mentor Volunteers.
MILWAUKEE [March 25, 2015] – United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County hosted a Reading Blitz Day to celebrate a 3-year effort of recruiting and placing 4,800+ reader, tutor, and mentor volunteers throughout Greater Milwaukee. The importance of reading to kids cannot be overstated. “Once children start school, difficulty with reading contributes to school failure, which can increase the risk of absenteeism, leaving school, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy - all of which can perpetuate the cycles of poverty and dependency.” according to the non-profit organization, Reach Out & Read. “United Way recognizes that caring adults working with children of all ages has the power to boost academic achievement and set them on the track for success,” said Karissa Gretebeck, marketing and community engagement specialist, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. “We are thankful for the agency partners, other non-profits and schools who partnered with us to make this possible.” United Way also organized a book drive leading up to the day. New or gently used books were collected at 13 Milwaukee Public Library locations, Brookfield Public Library, Muskego Public Library and Martha Merrell’s Books in downtown Waukesha. Books from the drive will be donated to United Way funded partner agencies that were a part of the Reader, Tutor, Mentor effort. On Reading Blitz day volunteers delivered reading packages to local schools and United Way partner agencies. Marc Brown, author of the popular children’s series Arthur, also visited United Community Center to talk with the children about the importance of reading and his popular children’s series Arthur. Children also had the opportunity to meet his character Arthur. The day culminated with a celebration at Milwaukee Public Library’s Centennial Hall with over 250 people in attendance. Brown, creator of the popular Arthur Adventure books and television series, spoke to the power of mentorship and the impact that volunteers can have on a community. The event also featured powerful stories of the volunteers who work alongside youth of all ages to make a difference in our community.
Anyone can make a difference in the life of a child. If you are interested in being a part of the movement please visit http://www.unitedwaymilwaukee.org/ReaderTutorMentor to find reader, tutor, and mentor volunteer opportunities.
About Marc Brown: Marc Brown has been working with the beloved aardvark for over twenty-five years. Born one night when Brown was telling a bedtime story to his son, Arthur soon evolved into the book Arthur’s Nose, published in 1976. Since then, Brown has written and illustrated more than thirty Arthur and D.W. books, and has illustrated many other books – including one with his wife, author/illustrator and psychologist, Laurie Krasny Brown.
Brown lives in Massachusetts with his wife and young daughter. He also has two grown sons. Brown’s own childhood and the experiences of his three children are his main inspiration for the Arthur stories.
About United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County: United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County improves our community by mobilizing people and resources to drive strategic impact in Education, Income and Health – the building blocks for a good quality of life. Learn more at: http://www.unitedwayGMWC.org
Photos: Left: Marc Brown and Arthur reading to children at United Community Center. Right: Children in the audience anxiously await Brown’s entrance.