On Saturday, Nov 7th, I will be lacing up my sneakers to run 13.1miles for the first-ever "Book It!," a virtual race weekend benefitting Read Ahead, a nonprofit dedicated to helping New York City youth strengthen the reading and social-emotional skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Since 1991, Read Ahead has connected public elementary school students with caring mentors from leading corporate and community partners. During weekly Read Ahead sessions, mentors support children to grow their confidence, love of reading, motivation, and other skills essential for success. 

The need for Read Ahead is especially urgent right now. Faced with the ongoing challenges of remote learning, devastating effects of COVID-19, and trauma of systemic racism and oppression, children need extra, individualized support and instruction to stay on track. Read Ahead’s completely virtual program provides this support and is free of cost to students and schools. 

As a former teacher, reading mentor, and growing up participating in similar programs at my local public library, I feel a personal connection to Read Ahead's work and am excited to participate in "Book It". I have also been working closely with the Read Ahead team as the organization continues to be more actively anti-racist and anti-oppression to create impactful systemic change.  You can read more about their commitments here.

Please join me in supporting Read Ahead! I have set a goal to ensure that Read Ahead’s new virtual program will flourish and thrive this school year. With new technology platforms and an educator-designed curriculum, Read Ahead will match children with supportive mentors for fun, live program sessions that build connection, confidence, literacy skills, and more.

I hope you'll consider giving a few dollars (or more!) to support me and this fantastic mission. All donations are tax-deductible and giving is easy. 

Thank you!