Michelle Maddox, CAT Team Leader
Susan Howard, CAT Secretary/Treasurer
Nassau Ferst Foundation
[email protected]
November 28, 2016 4:53 p.m.
The Nassau Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy recently held its first fundraising event and it was quite a success! The focus was to form an inaugural group of individuals who would commit to sponsor 10 preschool children to receive one book every month for an entire year ($360).
The event was held at the Property Owners Club at the Amelia Island Plantation. Guests shared an inspiring visit from the New York Times Best Selling Author Mary Kay Andrews (Kathy Trocheck) while enjoying tropical appetizers, amazing door prizes, and a beautiful sunset on the marsh.
Kathy spoke of the importance of childhood literacy, her own experiences with reading and gave insight into her writing process! This event raised enough money to fund the 255 children currently registered.
We would like to thank: the Omni Resort, Twisted Sisters, Island Florist, The Book Loft, Publix, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits and Carl and Robin Marhaver for sponsoring our event.
The Community Action Team (CAT) has partnered with the Nassau County Public Libraries, Friends of the Libraries, Early Learning Coalition and Episcopal Charities, and the local elementary schools to register 255 children under 5 years old for the program with the goal of registering every child in Nassau County. Each sponsored child will be given the opportunity to develop a strong vocabulary and instill a love of reading before they enter school. This proven method works by closing the gap between children who enter school with a foundation of reading and those who do not have a single children’s books in their homes.
To further strengthen our CAT as we work to enroll every child in the County, we need volunteers to: help with identifying the children, data base management, media releases, fundraising, and community literacy events. If you are interested in helping Nassau Countychildren prepare for learning success, please contact us at: [email protected] or through our Facebook page: Nassau Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy. (Like us and share with your friends, too!)