This year’s A Taste for Reading luncheon theme, "Building a Better Future, One Book at a Time," is all about giving kids the strong start they deserve. When children don’t have access to books or early learning opportunities, it becomes harder for them to develop the reading skills they need by third grade—a key milestone for future success in school and life. Reading is the foundation for everything, and without it, kids face bigger hurdles down the road. That’s why we’re dedicated to making sure every child has the resources they need to build strong reading skills and a love of learning.
The early years of childhood are such an important time. The first five years of life are when a child’s brain develops the fastest, forming the building blocks for learning and literacy. But today’s kindergartners, born in 2019, are part of a post-pandemic generation facing unique challenges. Many are starting school without the books, experiences, and support that help them thrive. The pandemic and poverty have only made these gaps wider, and now more than ever, we must act.
The Taste for Reading luncheon is our chance to make a real difference together. The funds raised will go directly to programs that get books into kids’ hands, provide support for families, and help children develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Every book, every program, and every dollar raised helps us give kids the chance to grow, learn, and create brighter futures—one book at a time.
