My mother has always been an inspiration to me; she’s known world-wide for her passion for family literacy. My own beliefs about how education can improve lives were triggered by the many conversations I’ve had with mom over the years. Family literacy is truly an educational reform model that has great merit. It’s about helping both parents and children improve their education. What better way to encourage a child than to be a role model? What better results to share than to tell you that the number of parents enrolled in our family literacy academies who now have the confidence to help their child with homework increased by a whopping 400%? We can also tell you that because of your help, and the determination of these parents, the young children enrolled are gaining more than a year’s worth of knowledge every year. By the time they reach kindergarten age, these youngsters are on level with their peers.
We’ve achieved all of these results because of the help of a great many supporters. Please consider this a personal invitation to be part of the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Reading We’re rolling out the red carpet to welcome back a host of best-selling authors who have been a part of Celebration in years past. You’ll be in the midst of celebrities like Art Smith, a James Beard Award winner and former personal chef to Oprah Winfrey. Art will again prepare and host an exclusive and sumptuous Celebration Luncheon. We’re also looking forward to another visit from famed authors James Bradley, Carol Higgins Clark, Mary Higgins Clark, Steve Doocy, Jeffrey Engel, Brad Meltzer, Jill Conner Brown and Sharon Robinson to name a few.
In addition, our VIP guests includes many of literacy’s greatest supporters including Chancellor Frank Brogan, Eric Smith, Florida’s Commissioner of Education in Florida, Dollar General CEO Dave Bere’, Comcast Vice-President Tim Gage, and friends from Publix, Florida Trend and many other corporations and foundations who share our passion for education.
Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters who believe in giving families a second chance at learning and leading a prosperous life. I hope to see you at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Reading in February.
Sincerely,
Jeb Bush
Celebration’ s Showcase Artist
Own a Limited Edition Print of Edna Hibel's "The Reading Garden," Benefiting
Family Literacy
Volunteer USA Foundation, through its Family Literacy Initiative, is pleased
to welcome internationally-acclaimed artist Edna Hibel as a literacy champion.
Edna Hibel has painted an original piece titled "The Reading Garden," especially
for the Family Literacy Initiative (Pictured at right).
Each print is numbered and signed by artist Edna Hibel and comes with a
certificate of authenticity. For more information or to purchase a limited
edition print, please call (561) 848-9633 or visit www.hibel.com.
Celebration of Reading Highlights
The 2009 Celebration of Reading, held in Bonita, Springs Florida, was a
great success once again this year. Here's an update for those of you
who may have missed out of the star-studded event, plus an opportunity to
support the family literacy movement through our fabulous silent auction!
More than 500 supporters enjoyed the 9th annual Celebration of Reading event
during the Valentine's weekend. The celebrity event was hosted once again
by our most loyal supporters including former Governor
and Mrs. Jeb Bush and former President George
H.W. Bush who helped launch the Celebration event
in Florida nine years ago. Each year, Celebration of Reading raises
funds to help people read and build better futures for their families. You
can view Governor Jeb Bush's appearance on Fox & Friends in support of
our Family Literacy Initiative - Part
I and Part
II.
