This #GivingTuesday, I’m joining a global generosity movement and supporting Read Ahead, a New York City nonprofit dedicated to helping kids develop literacy and social-emotional skills they need to thrive.

For three amazing years I have been a reading mentor with Read Ahead. My introduction to the program came in 2018, when every week I had the pleasure of meeting a bright young boy named Ajanii at The Elias Howe Elementary School in Manhattan. We had no agenda or curriculum. We had the benefit of time and a big bookshelf filled with books of all sorts.  

This is Ajanii and me reading Dr. Suess, his favorite. 

Today, I'm serving on the board of ReadAhead for my third year and I'm back mentoring a wonderful 3rd grader named Michael with a passion for theatre, rollercoasters, and pizza. I can tell you that this organization and the work we're doing has never been more important. 

In New York City, fewer than 50% of public elementary school students are reading on grade level. And nationally, the average reading score for 4th graders dropped to their lowest point since 2005. 

It's urgently important that elementary school children have a strong base of reading because reading is the key to success in each subject they'll be introduced to in later grades. If they fall behind now, it's incredibly difficult to catch up. 

This is where Read Ahead comes in. We know that with the right support, every student can become a joyful, confident, and fluent reader. Read Ahead intervenes early, providing weekly sessions designed to help 1st - 5th graders develop literacy skills, a love of reading, confidence, and more. And we know Read Ahead works. Last year, 95% of parents and teachers said that their student(s) benefited from being in Read Ahead.

I’m asking you to join me in supporting Read Ahead, a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids develop the reading and social-emotional skills they need to thrive.

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you for your support. It means the world to me!