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Changing the World: One Book at a Time
We Are Two!
5/21/2013
Kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
May is an exciting month for Promising Pages! Two years ago this month, Promising Pages hit the Charlotte scene even though it had been growing in Kristina Cruise's mind for many years. My we have grown from the small partnership book drive that launched our organization! We could not have done it without the amazing help, contributions, and support of all our wonderful volunteers, community donors, and partners. We can not wait to see what this year holds! Read up on our evolution and "Revolution" here: http://bit.ly/13J0lcH
Spring Highlights!
5/21/2013
Kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
Promising Pages has been hard at work this past Spring with many new exciting projects, with one of the most special being a whole week of Crisis Assitance events over the week of CMS Spring Break. Every week we distribute books to the children that are waiting in the Crisis Lobby, often for hours on end without anything to do. But over Spring Break, when some students who were not traveling or relaxing but instead waiting all day with their families in one room, Promising Pages got to take it to a whole new level and did book distribution every day, Storytime with Erma, and coloring contests. Read up on this exciting event here: http://bit.ly/10Kx8ZD
Summer, Here We Come!
5/21/2013
Kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
Look Out Summer! Promising Pages is on the move...
We are busy gearing up for the 40+ High School Interns that we will welcome aboard for an amazing, busy summer that includes:
Daily Crisis Assistance Book Distributions, Magic Book Parties at 7 different YMCA locations, Warehouse organization, and Summer Community Events. Stay tuned as we introduce our new volunteers, interns, and exciting partnerships!
Society Mag Cover
12/27/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
December Book Fair!
11/15/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
We will be selling off thousands of books we can not use and turning them operating dollars for our children's programming. We are currently seeking volunteers for all shifts Saturday and Sunday. Needs include security, parking, girlf wrapping, check out, cafe and book restocking. All volunteers will receive a 20% discount. 7 years and up are welcome to volunteer with a parent present. Please email info@promisingpages.com to sign up and individual or group.
New Habitat Partnership
11/2/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
Eight-year-old H’moer Rahlan-Ksor couldn’t decide whether to be excited or serious. So she was a little of both.
She and her family – who fled Vietnam as political refugees four years ago – had just been handed the keys to a Habitat for Humanity home in Matthews, as well as a surprise donation of more than 150 books from Charlotte nonprofit Promising Pages. The Oct. 26 ceremony marked the first partnership between the two organizations.
“I read a lot now because I’m almost going to be in the third grade,” H’moer said. “But my sister, H’mai, is our biggest reader. Of course she’s in 10th grade, though.”
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/11/02/3633989/new-partnership-gives-habitat.html#storylink=cpy
Pages Becomes Passion for Youth
10/17/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
Promising Pages has become a passion for Allie Halter, so much so that she collected more than 4,100 books during the summer and now is partnering with the National Honor Society in leading a book drive at her school, Myers Park.
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/10/17/3603101/promising-pages-becomes-passion.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy
Creativity at the Convention
9/5/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
What do the Democratic National Convention, all-natural fashion, and award winning barbeque have in common? The support of Promising Pages!
Promising Pages dove into the hustle and bustle of the Convention this week to show support for Charlotte while fundraising in a unique (and yummy) way.
To kick off the Monday of the DNC, Promising Pages volunteers partnered with Packard Place and assisted with the free“Charlotte Creates” event happening Sept. 3rd-5th at 222 S. Church Street. Packard Place is Charlotte’s uptown hub for entrepreneurs and start up companies where the ultimate goal is for creative juices to flow and for ideas to become reality! This venue was the perfect host for “Charlotte Creates” (#CLTCreates), a free exhibition of innovation and creativity across this city where organizations feature their products and services in the areas of technology, social entrepreneurship, energy, design, and the arts. Companies set up to showcase their mission and goods to curious visitors across four floors of converted, renovated, and “hi-tech” garage space.
To read more about our latest work and our (unique, super fab, and "Limited Editon") fundraiser, check out: http://promisingpages.blogspot.com/
Magical Memories
8/27/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
Magical Memories
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” - Dr. Seuss.
This quote is the perfect way to describe the attitude of the Promising Pages team as they celebrated a successful and fun summer at the End of the Summer Party this past Monday, August 20th. Volunteer Patricia Ozmeral hosted dinner and a pool party at her lovely home with summer interns, Chair members of the Board, and dedicated volunteers in attendance. This get-together capped off the summer by highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of the high school interns.
This summer at Promising Pages would not have been possible without the help of 22 “Ermiterns” who dedicated the majority of their summer vacation to collecting books, helping with Magic Book Parties, organizing and wrapping at the CBI warehouse, and having an overall genuine desire to inspire kids to read. This past Monday was a chance for Kristina Cruise, Promising Pages’ Founder, to reveal the outstanding accomplishments of each summer intern.
To Read More go to our blog at:http://promisingpages.blogspot.com/2012/08/magical-memories.html?spref=fb
Oodles of Books!
8/3/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
"Who wants some more books," asked Erma the Bookworma? "I do, I do" screamed a room full of excited children at Nations Ford Elementary School in Charlotte. This was the scene at one of our Follow-up Book party this past month.
The Magic Book Party is the heart and soul of what we do at Promising Pages. These parties are where Erm and Erma the Bookworms enter a room and spread the power and magic of reading. They use this opportunity to let children know they are alreadyLuckier than the Luckiest, and if they read just a little bit everyday they can be anything they want to be when they grow up.
For more go to our blogspot:
http://promisingpages.blogspot.com/2012/08/who-wants-some-more-books.html
Paid Fall Internship
6/25/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
Seeking a stellar upperclassman or graduate student with strong organizational and interpersonal skills to serve as a donor/volunteer relations coordinator for a 501(c)(3) early-literacy based non-profit. Promising Pages is gearing up to launch a major book drive/ volunteer campaign that will reach across the scope of businesses, churches and schools in the greater Charlotte area. Duties include developing relationships with corporate entities looking to partner with us and serving as the liaison between the corporation and the non-profit.
Promising Pages collects and redistributes to the estimate 60,000 kids in the area growing up with few, if any books at home. For more information go to www.promisingpages.com.
Location(s):
Charlotte, North Carolina
Compensation Type:
Paid
Compensation Details/Other Benefits:
$500 base/ semester plus bonuses
Job Status:
Part-Time
Job Function:
Accounting/Auditing, Administration, Administrative/Support Services, Advertising, Brand Management, Business Development, Community Service, Consulting, Customer Service, Data Management, Database Management, Distribution, Economic/Community Development, Entrepreneur, Event Planning, Fundraising/Development, Marketing, Not Specified, Operations, Project Management, Public Relations, Quality Control/Assurance, Reporting, Social Work, Teaching/Education, Volunteer, Writing
Period Of Employment:
Academic Year
Cover Letter Required:
Yes
Writing Sample(s) Required:
No
Other Document(s) Required:
No
Primary Role Type:
Managerial
Job Requirements:
This job requires math, science, engineering or analysis. Rarely
This job requires selling. Rarely
This job requires building & maintaining relationships with customers. Frequently
This job allows time and space to work in solitude. Frequently
This job relies heavily on written communication. Frequently
This job requires providing help or service to others. Frequently
This job requires directing people or resources to achieve a goal. Frequently
This job requires artistic skill. Rarely
This job requires business acumen. Occasionally
This job emphasizes predictable efficiency more than originality. Occasionally
Application Qualifications
The following qualifications have been set as "Desired". This will not prevent students who don't meet this criteria from applying; it simply provides potential applicants with more insight into your ideal candidate.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Bachelor of Social Work, Certificate of Advanced Study, Master of Accountancy, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science, Master of Social Work, Other Certificate Program, Teacher Certification/Endorsement
Major/Concentration:
*African-American & African Studies, *Applied Statistics-MS, *Business Administration, *Career Counseling, *Early Childhood Educ-CAS, *Early Childhood Education, *Educational Supervision-CAS, *Egr Sci, Mech & Materials-BSE, *Elementary Education Graduate, *English Education-CAS, *Human Development & Learn-BA, *Human Services-BA, *Intermediate Education-BA, *Intermediate Education-CAS, *Mathematics Education-CAS, *Middle Grades Educ-MEd, *Student Personnel-MA, *Urban & Environmental Egr-BSE, *Urban Administration-MUA, Accounting, African-American Literature, Africana Studies, Africana Studies Certificate, Air Force Aerospace Studies (AFROTC), American Studies, Applied Ethics, Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Applied Statistics, Army ROTC (Military Science), Bachelor in Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Business Administration BSBA MBA PhD, Business Entrepreneurship Cert, Business Languages Und Cert, Captive- CAPP, Cert. in Advance Databases & Knowledge, Certificate in Computer Architecture (Ungrad), Certificate in Computer Programming (Ungrad), Certificate in Information Security/Privacy, Certificate in Information Technology (Grad), Charlotte Area Consortium, Child & Family Development, Child & Family Studies, Child and Family Dev Grad Cert, Cognitive Science, Communication Studies, Communication Studies Grd Cer, Computer Science, Computer Science BA, BS MS, Computing & Info Systems, Counseling - Community, Counseling - School, Criminal Justice, Economics BS MS, Education, Education - English as a Second Language, Education - Middle Grades, Education - Middle Grades & Secondary, Education - Reading, Education - Secondary, Education - Special Education, Education - Teacher, Educational Admin - Educational Leadership, Educational Admin - School Administration, Elementary School Mathematics, Emergency Mgt Grad Certificate, Engineering, English, Finance, Finance - Commercial Banking, Finance - Financial Management, Finance - Risk Management/Insurance, Grad Cert in Mgt of Info Tech, Grad Cert in Teaching, Grad Certificate in Community Health, Individual Major in Bus, Industrial & Operations Management, Industrial & Operations Management BSBA, Info Security/Privacy Grad Cer, Information & Technology Management, Information Science, Information Technology, Information Technology MS PhD, Inter Institutional Graduate, Interdisciplinary Health Studies, International Business, International Business BSBA, International Studies, Intl Public Relations Und Cert, Journalism, Management, Management - Human Resources, Management - Small Business, Management BSBA, Management Information Systems, Management Information Systems BSBA, Marketing, Marketing BSBA, Middle Grades & Secondary Ed, Middle Grades Educ (6-9) - MAT, Middle Grades Education, Nonprofit Management, Operations & Supply Chain Mgmt, Operations Management, Operations Research, Organizational Science, Pre Business, Pre-Communication Studies, Public Budget & Fin-Grad Cert, Public Health-MSPH, Public Policy, Reading Education, Reading, Language, and Literacy, Social Work, Social Work-Advanced Studies, Social Work-Lower Division, Tentative MBA, Undeclared, Urban Management & Policy
Student Status:
Alumnus/a, Continuing Education, Doctorial Candidate, Fifth Year, Junior, Masters Candidate, MBA, Other, Post Doctorate, Senior
Minimum GPA:
3.00
Please email promisingpages@gmail.com for an application.
Chairman of the Board
6/12/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
Like Father, Like Son
Junior Ambassador Tate Rosenblatt, an avid reader, involved himself with Promising Pages at the encouragement of his father, who told him that his love of books could be his vehicle to making a difference in the world. Now, Promising Pages is proud to welcome Ed Rosenblatt as Chair to the inaugural Board of Directors. He plans to begin his term by “creating the infrastructure necessary so that all those that are committed to our vision are able to succeed,” and has high praise for both our founders and other board members.
With Promising Pages in the midst of our One Million Books campaign, strong leadership and creative ideas are essential. We’re continuing to grow and appointing our first Chairman to the Board of Directors is a major step in our process. We’re happy to include another member of the Rosenblatt family because, at the heart of it, Promising Pages is as much about family as it is about reading: parents who help their kids learn to read and encourage them to read as much as possible are helping to provide them with a lifelong skill set, one that Tate calls, “the most important skill you can have.” As the Rosenblatt family demonstrates, it’s important that we encourage a life-long love of reading to our family and the Charlotte community.
Ed says one of his favorite books as a child was The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger’s classic. Joining Promising Pages will allow him a similar mission as Holden Caulfield’s titular dream, grabbing the kids running through the rye before they plunge off the cliff, living their lives below their potential because of a lack of books. Because of the support of Ed and Tate, and all of our volunteers, we can raise up the estimated 60,000 kids in Charlotte who do not have any books of their own. Ed promises to bring the same fervor to his role as Tate has to his junior ambassador role, in which he helped his school, Charlotte Preparatory, collect 4,180 books, a Promising Pages school-drive record. Founder Kristina Cruise says Ed “embodies all the qualities that a good board member and good citizen should have: he is sharp, professional, and kind; he cares deeply about his community. He’s the kind of guy you are proud to be associated with and the kind of leader you aim to be.”
Ed Rosenblatt, an attorney, is a member of McGuireWoods’ Government, Regulatory and Criminal Investigations Department and co-chair of the Broker-Dealers & Investment Advisers Industry Team. His law practice focuses on government enforcement, internal investigations, securities and banking regulation and compliance matters. Prior to joining the firm, Ed held senior positions with Wells Fargo & Co. (and its predecessor Wachovia Corp.,). He grew up in Baltimore, MD and later moved to Washington D.C for 14 years; he has been a resident of Charlotte for the past 7 years. He is happily married with two boys, Tate (12) and Parker (9).
BLOC Golf Tourney
5/29/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
'Houston, we have funding.' The 8th annual Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) Golf Tournament at the Ballantyne Hotel may not have paralleled the importance of a space mission, but to Promising Pages Founder Kristina Cruise, that's exactly what it felt like. “This is our first opportunity for major funding and will give us a sizable operating budget for the first time in our existence.” Promising Pages came onto the Charlotte non-profit scene 1 year ago this May. Pages' total budget up to this point? A mere $3,000 thanks to a grant from Hands on Charlotte and a donation from Carolina Business Interiors, among others. "This tournament and the generous funding just make it all feel so real," said Cruise as she thanked the participants during a delicious spanish flair dinner provided by Chef Rodolfo from El Molino bakery and catering (rodolfomontero@yahoo.com).
Seeking Summer Interns: Apply Now!
4/14/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
Internship Program, Summer 2012: Seeking interns for roles in Marketing/ PR, Social Media and Blogging.
Promising Pages is currently accepting internship applications for the Summer 2012 semester. We are looking for bright and motivated self-starters who will play and integral role in the development of the Promising Pages brand and concept. If you are looking to stuff envelopes and answer phones this internship is not for you.
Ideal candidates will be working toward a Bachelors degree in Education, Early Childhood Development, Sociology, Social Work, Marketing or Communications. Candidates should have a love of children and a deep need to help better their community. Preferred candidates will also be willing to take on social networking initiatives, event planning, donation drives as well as volunteers outreach and brand building. Creativity as well as organizational and follow-through skills are a must.
Promising Pages is an 501c3 accredited non-profit operating in Charlotte, NC whose mission is to offer all kids a fair shot at life by giving kids the tools they need to succeed at an early age. We do this by collecting an redistributing new and gently used books in the form of wrapped presents to the 60,000 kids in the Charlotte area who have few, if any at home. Together we are working to change the world, one child and one book at a time.
Our internship program is non-paid and runs from June 1st to August 1st, of 2012, or as determined. This is a part-time leadership opportunity. A commitment of 10 hours per week is expected. Hours are flexible. Applications are due by May 15th, 2012.
For more information or to apply for spring 2012 Promising Pages internship placement please contact us at promisingpages@gmail.com or call us at (704) 399- 1934.
8th Annual Business Leaders of Charlotte Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit Promising Pages
4/12/2012
keith.minder@tworktechnology.com
Business Leaders of Charlotte has chosen Promising Pages to receive all proceeds from it's 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament.
Players and sponsors can sign up at www.businessleadersofcharlotte.com.
Charlotte Prep Launches Book Drive
4/12/2012
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
Junior Ambassador Tate Rosenblatt vows to collect at least 2,400 books!
by Morgan Smith
(Teacher Dave Marchant’s seventh-grade advisory group kicked off a book-drive at the school April 10, to benefit Promising Pages. (L-R, back row) Jordan Stevenson, Alex Smith, Jack Walter and Tate Rosenblatt. (L-R, front row) Kristina Cruise, Wyatt Germain, Jack Bryant and Dave Marchant. Morgan Smith/SCW photo)
Tate Rosenblatt needs his classmates to do some spring cleaning in their bookshelves at home.
The 12-year-old Charlotte Preparatory School students needs the books for the school-wide book drive, which kicked off Tuesday, April 10.
Books go to Promising Pages, a local nonprofit that puts gently used or new books in the hands of low-income children across Charlotte.
Tate’s passion for reading and community service led the seventh-grader to organize the drive.
(Click here for the rest of the article at South Charlotte Weekly.)
Noah the Boa meet Erma the Worma
11/5/2011
Promising Pages benefits from children's book debut.
Have you ever seen a snake in a cab or perhaps at the movies? If so you may have seen Erma the book Worma's cousin Noah the Boa. In Noah the Boa at Large, author Henrietta Krumpett whimsically narrates Noah's escape from the Zoo.
Krumpett debuted her colorful, fully illustrated book at Park Road books in Charlotte on November 5th. The event was featured on the WCNC and WBTV's community calendar websites.
After reading the book she gave the kids a lesson on the imporance of snakes in our eco system. "Snakes eat the rats and the insects, and help keep things in balance," she said as she show young ones two snakes, a ball python and a boa.
"Snakes are not inherently dangerous and they don't want to bite you," said Krumpett. "Snakes use their tounge to smell since they have very poor eye sight. They would much rather hide and curl up in a ball than try to harm you."
Erma the Book Worma held Boa and graciously posed with him. The experince was a first for Kristina Cruise, founder of Promising Pages. "The things I will do for this organization," she said jokingly.
Krumpett is partnering with Promising Pages, using her book debut to help raise awareness about Promising Pages and inturn helping more kids gain access to books.
Friend Henrietta and Noah on Facebook. The book can be purchased at Park Road Books in Charlotte, or online. For more information about Noah the Boa at Large visit Noah's website.
Log onto our Facebook for more pictures as well as the latest Promising Pages information.
Have you ever seen a snake in a cab or perhaps at the movies? If so you may have seen Erma the book Worma's cousin Noah the Boa. In Noah the Boa at Large, author Henrietta Krumpett whimsically narrates Noah's escape from the Zoo.
Krumpett debuted her colorful, fully illustrated book at Park Road books in Charlotte on November 5th. The event was featured on the WCNC and WBTV's community calendar websites.
After reading the book she gave the kids a lesson on the imporance of snakes in our eco system. "Snakes eat the rats and the insects, and help keep things in balance," she said as she show young ones two snakes, a ball python and a boa.
"Snakes are not inherently dangerous and they don't want to bite you," said Krumpett. "Snakes use their tounge to smell since they have very poor eye sight. They would much rather hide and curl up in a ball than try to harm you."
Erma the Book Worma held Boa and graciously posed with him. The experince was a first for Kristina Cruise, founder of Promising Pages. "The things I will do for this organization," she said jokingly.
Krumpett is partnering with Promising Pages, using her book debut to help raise awareness about Promising Pages and inturn helping more kids gain access to books.
Friend Henrietta and Noah on Facebook. The book can be purchased at Park Road Books in Charlotte, or online. For more information about Noah the Boa at Large visit Noah's website.
Log onto our Facebook for more pictures as well as the latest Promising Pages information.
Charlotte BHAG's
11/1/2011
Promising Pages won 2nd place in a contest sponsored by the Charlotte Chamber
What is you Big Hairy Audacious Goal? This is something that is not only totally outlandish, and far reaching, but actually doable. The BHAG of Promising Pages is to collect and redistribute children's books to the 100,000 kids in the area living in poverty, many of whom do not even own a single children's book. Promising Pages entered the contest and presented along with five other finalists at the Chamber's annual retreat in Wild Dunes, SC on October 14th, 2011. Each finalist had a power point presentation and five minutes or less to state their BHAG to the 180 business leaders attending. At the end the Chamber members voted. Pages came in 2nd place! The BHAG event has inspired Pages' leaders to move forward with the help of the community and collect 1 million books!
Here was our final submission:
I want to start off with the facts. There are at minimum 60,000 kids growing up in the greater Charlotte Area growing up without books at home. Yet according to the US Department of Education, if a child is not properly exposed to books by the time he or she enters kindergarten, the child is 3 to 4 times more likely to drop out of high school. There are 1 million drop outs a year in the US, costing our nation $240 billion dollars annually. In today's economy there are more than more and more at risk children entering school having never touched a book before, not knowing which way is up or down or how to turn the pages-- and it's not their fault. But now they have to be rehabilitated back to grade level, which leads to serious self esteem issues, prompting some to ask their teacher, "Why am I stupid." I am here to tell you, they are not stupid, they just didn't have the same kinds of resources growing up.
(slide 3-pic of people in line-"I saw a little girl")
In 2008 I watched a 3 year old girl in line with her mom at a food bank. She was so sad and empty, I wanted to give her a present. I rustled through my bag and couldn't find anything and naively thought, 'maybe when she gets inside they will see how depressed she is and give her a present to cheer her up.'There were no presents inside...
I asked myself what can I give kids like her in the future, the word 'books' popped into my head.
(slide 4-brain scans-"How many books did you have…")
In my research, I found a study being featured on 700wlw looking at the brain scans of toddlers. The toddlers who did not have access to books in the home had brain scans that mirrored stroke victims. Parts of their brains were not lighting up as much, synapses were not forming or strengthening at the same rate. This had little to do with socio economic status, and everything to do with access to books on a daily and consistent basis. How many books did you have when you were growing up? All my friend's kids have 2 or 3 hundred. There in lies the beauty, making this in my opinion one of the most solvable of all complex social issues today.
Kids books are like the clothes in our closets. We wear out a good 20 percent of them, the rest, worn only 2 or 3 times are in perfectly good condition and look brand new. Kids outgrow their hundreds of books so fast that the parents don't quite know what to do with them so they give them to another friend who already has 300 books so nobody really cares. We crave these books, we NEED these books donated because we have seen first hand what they can do for the life and self-esteem of an at-risk child.
(Slide 5- "About Us")
At Promising Pages we wrap all of our books as presents. There is a big difference between a hand me down and a special present, especially to children who often do not get birthday or Christmas presents. Secondly we deliver our book via our mascots "Erm the Book Worm" and "Erma the Book Worma". (Hi Erma-Erma enters and passes out wrapped books.) To these kids it's like Chuck-E-Cheese and Christmas morning all in one.
(Slide 6-Car Stuffed with books)
In the spring of this part year I left a career in broadcast journalism to fight this social injustice. In April we partnered with Classroom Central and held our first city wide book drive, collecting 5 thousand books and we've been growing ever since.
(Slide 7- Various Partnerships)
We partner with a variety of social service agencies have either helped us collect, or are already working with the kids we aim to serve. We have been recognized by U.S. Senator Kay Hagan and are waiting for her to book her appearance as "Erma the Book Worma," a one-time 45 minute commitment.
(Slide 8- Called a "literary first")
Infact it's a process that's so unique, we were coined a "literary first" by the Charlotte Observer. We do amazing "Magic Book Parties" in at-risk and title one classrooms. A teacher told me the other day those kids loved those books so much they wouldn't put them down the rest of the day. Imagine how bright this city will be when all of our kids are good readers, and are solving the problems instead of becoming them.
(Slide 9-BHAG: 1 Million books)
We are a small handful volunteers and we simply can not keep up with huge the demand for our wrapped presents and parties. Our BHAG is to collect 1 million books within a year and redistribute them to our kids living in poverty. We also want to create a model that can be replicated in chapter across the US.
(Slide 10- Game Plan: 5 things we need)
We need the support and contacts, leadership and resources. We need storage space, book drives, wrapping parties, volunteers and connections.
(Final Slide- "Will you help us start a reading revolution?)
This is a simple process that literally has the power to change young lives, using free resource that already exist in our community. This is not a band-aid, I assure you, this is a cure. We are ready. How will you help us start a reading revolution?
What is you Big Hairy Audacious Goal? This is something that is not only totally outlandish, and far reaching, but actually doable. The BHAG of Promising Pages is to collect and redistribute children's books to the 100,000 kids in the area living in poverty, many of whom do not even own a single children's book. Promising Pages entered the contest and presented along with five other finalists at the Chamber's annual retreat in Wild Dunes, SC on October 14th, 2011. Each finalist had a power point presentation and five minutes or less to state their BHAG to the 180 business leaders attending. At the end the Chamber members voted. Pages came in 2nd place! The BHAG event has inspired Pages' leaders to move forward with the help of the community and collect 1 million books!
Here was our final submission:
I want to start off with the facts. There are at minimum 60,000 kids growing up in the greater Charlotte Area growing up without books at home. Yet according to the US Department of Education, if a child is not properly exposed to books by the time he or she enters kindergarten, the child is 3 to 4 times more likely to drop out of high school. There are 1 million drop outs a year in the US, costing our nation $240 billion dollars annually. In today's economy there are more than more and more at risk children entering school having never touched a book before, not knowing which way is up or down or how to turn the pages-- and it's not their fault. But now they have to be rehabilitated back to grade level, which leads to serious self esteem issues, prompting some to ask their teacher, "Why am I stupid." I am here to tell you, they are not stupid, they just didn't have the same kinds of resources growing up.
(slide 3-pic of people in line-"I saw a little girl")
In 2008 I watched a 3 year old girl in line with her mom at a food bank. She was so sad and empty, I wanted to give her a present. I rustled through my bag and couldn't find anything and naively thought, 'maybe when she gets inside they will see how depressed she is and give her a present to cheer her up.'There were no presents inside...
I asked myself what can I give kids like her in the future, the word 'books' popped into my head.
(slide 4-brain scans-"How many books did you have…")
In my research, I found a study being featured on 700wlw looking at the brain scans of toddlers. The toddlers who did not have access to books in the home had brain scans that mirrored stroke victims. Parts of their brains were not lighting up as much, synapses were not forming or strengthening at the same rate. This had little to do with socio economic status, and everything to do with access to books on a daily and consistent basis. How many books did you have when you were growing up? All my friend's kids have 2 or 3 hundred. There in lies the beauty, making this in my opinion one of the most solvable of all complex social issues today.
Kids books are like the clothes in our closets. We wear out a good 20 percent of them, the rest, worn only 2 or 3 times are in perfectly good condition and look brand new. Kids outgrow their hundreds of books so fast that the parents don't quite know what to do with them so they give them to another friend who already has 300 books so nobody really cares. We crave these books, we NEED these books donated because we have seen first hand what they can do for the life and self-esteem of an at-risk child.
(Slide 5- "About Us")
At Promising Pages we wrap all of our books as presents. There is a big difference between a hand me down and a special present, especially to children who often do not get birthday or Christmas presents. Secondly we deliver our book via our mascots "Erm the Book Worm" and "Erma the Book Worma". (Hi Erma-Erma enters and passes out wrapped books.) To these kids it's like Chuck-E-Cheese and Christmas morning all in one.
(Slide 6-Car Stuffed with books)
In the spring of this part year I left a career in broadcast journalism to fight this social injustice. In April we partnered with Classroom Central and held our first city wide book drive, collecting 5 thousand books and we've been growing ever since.
(Slide 7- Various Partnerships)
We partner with a variety of social service agencies have either helped us collect, or are already working with the kids we aim to serve. We have been recognized by U.S. Senator Kay Hagan and are waiting for her to book her appearance as "Erma the Book Worma," a one-time 45 minute commitment.
(Slide 8- Called a "literary first")
Infact it's a process that's so unique, we were coined a "literary first" by the Charlotte Observer. We do amazing "Magic Book Parties" in at-risk and title one classrooms. A teacher told me the other day those kids loved those books so much they wouldn't put them down the rest of the day. Imagine how bright this city will be when all of our kids are good readers, and are solving the problems instead of becoming them.
(Slide 9-BHAG: 1 Million books)
We are a small handful volunteers and we simply can not keep up with huge the demand for our wrapped presents and parties. Our BHAG is to collect 1 million books within a year and redistribute them to our kids living in poverty. We also want to create a model that can be replicated in chapter across the US.
(Slide 10- Game Plan: 5 things we need)
We need the support and contacts, leadership and resources. We need storage space, book drives, wrapping parties, volunteers and connections.
(Final Slide- "Will you help us start a reading revolution?)
This is a simple process that literally has the power to change young lives, using free resource that already exist in our community. This is not a band-aid, I assure you, this is a cure. We are ready. How will you help us start a reading revolution?
Make a Difference Day
10/22/2011
Our first grant funds supplies for Make a Difference Day!
If you've ever been to one of our wrapping parties you know there is a lot of sorting, sanatizing, stamping, wrapping and labeling, but thank to a new idea kids and families also got to decorate "Magic Reading Carpets."
Big thanks to local artist Teresa Pittman for helping design the templates for our "Magic Book Carpets." The carpet idea came out of a seminar sponsored by Hands on Charlotte and Generation On. The groups also provided Promising Pages with a $1,000 grant!
The special carpets will gifts to the classrooms who expeirience our free "Magic Book Parties." Students will earn opportunities to sit on the carpet and read, thus reinforcing the Promising Pages mission to read for at least 10 minutes a day to create "Magic" in your their own lives.
If you've ever been to one of our wrapping parties you know there is a lot of sorting, sanatizing, stamping, wrapping and labeling, but thank to a new idea kids and families also got to decorate "Magic Reading Carpets."
Big thanks to local artist Teresa Pittman for helping design the templates for our "Magic Book Carpets." The carpet idea came out of a seminar sponsored by Hands on Charlotte and Generation On. The groups also provided Promising Pages with a $1,000 grant!
The special carpets will gifts to the classrooms who expeirience our free "Magic Book Parties." Students will earn opportunities to sit on the carpet and read, thus reinforcing the Promising Pages mission to read for at least 10 minutes a day to create "Magic" in your their own lives.
Giving Back on 9/11
9/15/2011
90 volunteers come together to honor victims and give back.
The tenth anniversary of September 11th has come and gone, but the labor of more than 90 volunteers that day will last well into the fall, and work to improve young children's lives in a way that may prove to be life-long.
Hands on Charlotte organized a Week of Service, a way for locals to not only honor the victim's of September 11th, but to do something positive in their community at the same time. Promising Pages was happy to sign up to host a wrapping party as a part of the week. It would be the organizations largest single volunteer opportunity to date.
St. Stephens United Methodist Church generously donated the fellowship hall as the space for the family-friendly wrapping party. It was a perfect venue for this large undertaking. The wrapping paper was donated by Earth Fare. It is actually butcher paper and it worked perfectly!
Many members from Citi Financial group were in attendance to sort, clean and wrap books, including Lynette Sims. Wearing an American Flag shirt, Sims says she remembers September 11th, 2001 very well. She was in World Trade Center 7 that fateful day. "9/11 is very special to me since I was in the World Trade Center. It's a blessing that I'm here and I want to give back."
In two hours volunteers from all over Charlotte wrapped and labeled more than 1,200 books, and cleaned and sorted many more. It was a great family event that started off with a moment of silence to honor those lost.
"We wanted something to volunteer with out kids," said Mark Hazzard, whose son is an Eagle Scout.
All of the books wrapped on September 11th will go to kids in the Charlotte area who have few, if any books at home. Some will be handed out our Mascot, "Erm the Book Worm" as presents at Crisis Assistance Ministry. Others will be incorporated into our "Magic Book Parties." For more information please email us at info@promisingpages.com
The tenth anniversary of September 11th has come and gone, but the labor of more than 90 volunteers that day will last well into the fall, and work to improve young children's lives in a way that may prove to be life-long.
Hands on Charlotte organized a Week of Service, a way for locals to not only honor the victim's of September 11th, but to do something positive in their community at the same time. Promising Pages was happy to sign up to host a wrapping party as a part of the week. It would be the organizations largest single volunteer opportunity to date.
St. Stephens United Methodist Church generously donated the fellowship hall as the space for the family-friendly wrapping party. It was a perfect venue for this large undertaking. The wrapping paper was donated by Earth Fare. It is actually butcher paper and it worked perfectly!
Many members from Citi Financial group were in attendance to sort, clean and wrap books, including Lynette Sims. Wearing an American Flag shirt, Sims says she remembers September 11th, 2001 very well. She was in World Trade Center 7 that fateful day. "9/11 is very special to me since I was in the World Trade Center. It's a blessing that I'm here and I want to give back."
In two hours volunteers from all over Charlotte wrapped and labeled more than 1,200 books, and cleaned and sorted many more. It was a great family event that started off with a moment of silence to honor those lost.
"We wanted something to volunteer with out kids," said Mark Hazzard, whose son is an Eagle Scout.
All of the books wrapped on September 11th will go to kids in the Charlotte area who have few, if any books at home. Some will be handed out our Mascot, "Erm the Book Worm" as presents at Crisis Assistance Ministry. Others will be incorporated into our "Magic Book Parties." For more information please email us at info@promisingpages.com
Teens Roll up Sleeves
9/15/2011
24 total hours+60 teens over 4 days=360 man hours and a really fantastic week of wrapping and "Magic Book Parties!"
Promising Pages teamed up with teens from the Hands on Charlotte Work Week to wrap books and deliver free books to kids at Freedom School Partners, Park Road Ministries and Y Readers. In total the group of 60 teens from all over the country sorted, cleaned and wrapped over 2,000 donated children's books. Thank you to everyone who took part in this very successful week including Providence Road Church of Christ for providing the space!
Promising Pages teamed up with teens from the Hands on Charlotte Work Week to wrap books and deliver free books to kids at Freedom School Partners, Park Road Ministries and Y Readers. In total the group of 60 teens from all over the country sorted, cleaned and wrapped over 2,000 donated children's books. Thank you to everyone who took part in this very successful week including Providence Road Church of Christ for providing the space!
Women of Achievement
9/4/2011
Cruise awarded in "Emerging Leader" Category.
The YWCA of Central Carolinas presented Promising Pages Executive Officer Kristina Cruise with its 2011 Woman of Achievement Award. Recognized as an individual contributing to the advancement of social justice in the Charlotte community, Cruise reinforces the importance and relevance of the organization’s mission. An emerging leader under age 35, Cruise is leading the community forward, leveling the playing field for and brightening the futures of at risk children, by providing them with new and gently used books. Congratulations!
--Promising Pages Public Information Officer Patrick Bouvier Fitzgerald Burris
Check it out the coverage in the South Charlotte Weekly.
The YWCA of Central Carolinas presented Promising Pages Executive Officer Kristina Cruise with its 2011 Woman of Achievement Award. Recognized as an individual contributing to the advancement of social justice in the Charlotte community, Cruise reinforces the importance and relevance of the organization’s mission. An emerging leader under age 35, Cruise is leading the community forward, leveling the playing field for and brightening the futures of at risk children, by providing them with new and gently used books. Congratulations!
--Promising Pages Public Information Officer Patrick Bouvier Fitzgerald Burris
Check it out the coverage in the South Charlotte Weekly.
Raise Your Palette!
7/30/2011
Our first fundraiser at the Wine Palette in Plaza Midwood
Thank you to everyone who attended our fundraising event "The Wine Palette," on Wednesday July 27th. The event was a hueg success and we owe it all to our faithful volunteers and sponsors. Thanks to The Container Store, Off Broadway Shoes, Newell Rubbermaid, Elizabeth Ryan, Patrick Burris, Michele Smith, Alex Crenshaw, Kim Denta, Kristee Bruch, Kelly Woodfin, Erin Shomber and local artist Teresa Pittman as well as everyone who attended for making the event such a big success! 100% of the money raised will go directly toward giving books to kids who have few, if any at home. There are more pictures on our Facebook page.
Thank you to everyone who attended our fundraising event "The Wine Palette," on Wednesday July 27th. The event was a hueg success and we owe it all to our faithful volunteers and sponsors. Thanks to The Container Store, Off Broadway Shoes, Newell Rubbermaid, Elizabeth Ryan, Patrick Burris, Michele Smith, Alex Crenshaw, Kim Denta, Kristee Bruch, Kelly Woodfin, Erin Shomber and local artist Teresa Pittman as well as everyone who attended for making the event such a big success! 100% of the money raised will go directly toward giving books to kids who have few, if any at home. There are more pictures on our Facebook page.
Pages in Florida
7/5/2011
A Daytona Beach Church collected and wrapped hundreds of books to give to kids staying in a homeless shelter in Florida.
By Tiffany Hope
I don't generally think of myself as growing up advantaged, but I certainly did, especially when compared with the children living at the Star Shelter in Daytona Beach, Florida. Many families totaling up to 100 people live in 25 rooms at the shelter. They get 2 meals a day and can stay for up to 6 months. On Monday, June 20th, Promising Pages partnered with the Christ Presbyterian Youth Group of Ormond Beach, FL, to bring books to the children living at the Star Center in Daytona Beach.
Isn't life random? I grew up in a house surrounded by books and a mom who had a conviction to read to me. These kids at the Star Shelter have been uprooted by financial constraints, subjected to stressors too advanced for them, and stripped of most of their possessions. Children in shelters have very few, if any books. Sometimes it's hard to see how things are connected, but research demonstrates that life success correlates directly to literacy which correlates directly to income level and access to books. A team of researchers concluded in Jeff McQuillan's book The Literacy Crisis "that nearly two-thirds of the low income families they studied owned no books for their children. As a result, direct access to books is extremely limited for these children, a fact that significantly impacts their educational growth and development as well as their sense of creativity and imagination." Kids who are read to thrive. Kids who are not read to sometimes never catch up.
Luckily, life also delivers people like Kristina Cruise of Promising Pages, David James of the STAR Family Shelter, and Katy Cuthill of Christ Presbyterian Church in Ormond Beach, FL. These three organizations recently partnered up to intervene in the cycle of low income and impaired reading skills. The difference is books, so they delivered. Youth group volunteers from the church cleaned and gift-wrapped books so they could be handed out as presents, a practice Promising Pages initiated. Kristina Cruise of Promising Pages believes "there is a big difference to a child between a hand-me-down and a present. Presents foster self esteem."
Jason, a youth group member and local Ormond Beach teen, volunteered to play "Erm the Worm." Erm plays the equivalent of a book party Santa Claus and encourages the children to read and succeed. David James of the Star Center was impressed with Jason's willingness to don a worm costume in front of his friends, commenting that "Jason got in the costume, got in character, he did a super job, he had the self confidence and self esteem to do it." Mr. James congratulated Jason for great strength of character.
Nothing that is awesome is easy, and it usually takes many citizens working together to make an impact. I'm impressed and inspired by these three organizations that came together to make life better for the kids at the Star Center. Mr. James, the Star Center Director of Community Relations, described the experience as "a great joy, surprise, and blessing" to the 20 children a ges two through teens who attended the book party and received gifts.
He also said that the positive interaction between the children and the Promising Pages character, "Erm the Worm," made the children, "feel like they matter, that people matter." Mr. James would "positively" do it again and added that there are a "handful of parents still talking about the event." The teens volunteers from Christ Presbyterian Church most certainly learned a thing or two as well.
Privilege is such a subjective thing. So many of us lounge at Starbucks with a five-dollar Frappuccino, contemplating the scarcity in our lives, or some equivalent of that. James said something to me on the phone that stuck wit h me. He said, "so many people are living every day as though it's Christmas," and, "with these families, one thing lead to another and they ended up in a shelter." Personally, I try to take stories like these to heart, and to let them change me into a more mindful person, a person who recognizes my own blessings and who is willing to make the effort to make other people's lives better. If you are reading this, I hope you will join me. To donate supplies, funds, or books to Promising Pages, please visit Promising Pages. If you would like to donate to the Star Shelter, please visit Halifax Urban Ministries.
By Tiffany Hope
I don't generally think of myself as growing up advantaged, but I certainly did, especially when compared with the children living at the Star Shelter in Daytona Beach, Florida. Many families totaling up to 100 people live in 25 rooms at the shelter. They get 2 meals a day and can stay for up to 6 months. On Monday, June 20th, Promising Pages partnered with the Christ Presbyterian Youth Group of Ormond Beach, FL, to bring books to the children living at the Star Center in Daytona Beach.
Isn't life random? I grew up in a house surrounded by books and a mom who had a conviction to read to me. These kids at the Star Shelter have been uprooted by financial constraints, subjected to stressors too advanced for them, and stripped of most of their possessions. Children in shelters have very few, if any books. Sometimes it's hard to see how things are connected, but research demonstrates that life success correlates directly to literacy which correlates directly to income level and access to books. A team of researchers concluded in Jeff McQuillan's book The Literacy Crisis "that nearly two-thirds of the low income families they studied owned no books for their children. As a result, direct access to books is extremely limited for these children, a fact that significantly impacts their educational growth and development as well as their sense of creativity and imagination." Kids who are read to thrive. Kids who are not read to sometimes never catch up.
Luckily, life also delivers people like Kristina Cruise of Promising Pages, David James of the STAR Family Shelter, and Katy Cuthill of Christ Presbyterian Church in Ormond Beach, FL. These three organizations recently partnered up to intervene in the cycle of low income and impaired reading skills. The difference is books, so they delivered. Youth group volunteers from the church cleaned and gift-wrapped books so they could be handed out as presents, a practice Promising Pages initiated. Kristina Cruise of Promising Pages believes "there is a big difference to a child between a hand-me-down and a present. Presents foster self esteem."
Jason, a youth group member and local Ormond Beach teen, volunteered to play "Erm the Worm." Erm plays the equivalent of a book party Santa Claus and encourages the children to read and succeed. David James of the Star Center was impressed with Jason's willingness to don a worm costume in front of his friends, commenting that "Jason got in the costume, got in character, he did a super job, he had the self confidence and self esteem to do it." Mr. James congratulated Jason for great strength of character.
Nothing that is awesome is easy, and it usually takes many citizens working together to make an impact. I'm impressed and inspired by these three organizations that came together to make life better for the kids at the Star Center. Mr. James, the Star Center Director of Community Relations, described the experience as "a great joy, surprise, and blessing" to the 20 children a ges two through teens who attended the book party and received gifts.
He also said that the positive interaction between the children and the Promising Pages character, "Erm the Worm," made the children, "feel like they matter, that people matter." Mr. James would "positively" do it again and added that there are a "handful of parents still talking about the event." The teens volunteers from Christ Presbyterian Church most certainly learned a thing or two as well.
Privilege is such a subjective thing. So many of us lounge at Starbucks with a five-dollar Frappuccino, contemplating the scarcity in our lives, or some equivalent of that. James said something to me on the phone that stuck wit h me. He said, "so many people are living every day as though it's Christmas," and, "with these families, one thing lead to another and they ended up in a shelter." Personally, I try to take stories like these to heart, and to let them change me into a more mindful person, a person who recognizes my own blessings and who is willing to make the effort to make other people's lives better. If you are reading this, I hope you will join me. To donate supplies, funds, or books to Promising Pages, please visit Promising Pages. If you would like to donate to the Star Shelter, please visit Halifax Urban Ministries.
One Awesome Girl, 680 Books!
6/27/2011
In just three week a Union County 13 year old collected nearly 700 books for kids who have none.
To be like Caroline Blizzard...
By Tiffany Hope
When the 13 year old book lover was charged with choosing a community service project for her Language Arts class, she decided to look for something different from what her classmates were doing. I think that's the American way - doing something new and different, not following the crowd. Caroline's divergence from the norm brou ght her to Promising Pages, a successful new not for profit organization, after her mom saw a news story about the drive on WCNC:
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Books-Needed-for-Charlotte-Kids-120658554.html
Promising Pages concentrates on getting books to children who might not otherwise have one of their own, or even hold a book until kindergarten, so it was a perfect match for Caroline, a Marvin Ridge Middle School student. "Since I love to read, I wanted to give children who may not have access to books the chance to develop a love of reading as well," says Caroline, who likes to work with children.
Many of us have good intentions and want to help people have better lives, but fewer of us find the time and motivation to do something about it. Caroline Blizzard and Kristina Cruise, the founder of Promising Pages, are two individuals who have made service to the community a priority. They are bringing smiles to people's faces and it may not be immediately evident, but they are changing lives, one page at a time, by improving early education for thousands of children.
(To read more and see pictures, click on our blog.)
To be like Caroline Blizzard...
By Tiffany Hope
When the 13 year old book lover was charged with choosing a community service project for her Language Arts class, she decided to look for something different from what her classmates were doing. I think that's the American way - doing something new and different, not following the crowd. Caroline's divergence from the norm brou ght her to Promising Pages, a successful new not for profit organization, after her mom saw a news story about the drive on WCNC:
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Books-Needed-for-Charlotte-Kids-120658554.html
Promising Pages concentrates on getting books to children who might not otherwise have one of their own, or even hold a book until kindergarten, so it was a perfect match for Caroline, a Marvin Ridge Middle School student. "Since I love to read, I wanted to give children who may not have access to books the chance to develop a love of reading as well," says Caroline, who likes to work with children.
Many of us have good intentions and want to help people have better lives, but fewer of us find the time and motivation to do something about it. Caroline Blizzard and Kristina Cruise, the founder of Promising Pages, are two individuals who have made service to the community a priority. They are bringing smiles to people's faces and it may not be immediately evident, but they are changing lives, one page at a time, by improving early education for thousands of children.
(To read more and see pictures, click on our blog.)
Cardinal Lane Book Fairs!
6/6/2011
40% off Warehouse Sale! Bring in your old books for Promising Pages!
Cardinal Lane is Partnering with Promising Pages during the summer warehouse sale! Bring in the books your kids have out grown and replace them at DEEP DISCOUNTS!
CARDINAL LANE BOOKFAIRS
ANNUAL 40% OFF WAREHOUSE SALE
Featuring a huge selection of preschool, children’s,
and teen books and activities!
Thursday, June 9 – Wednesday, June 15, 2011
9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. on weekdays
9:00 – 3:00 on Saturday, June 11
Closed on Sunday
Visa, MasterCard, checks, cash, and purchase orders accepted. Everyone is welcome!
Our warehouse is located at 327-B West Tremont Avenue in Charlotte.
(Turn off South Blvd. at Atherton Mill onto Tremont. Cross the light rail tracks. Look for us on the left before you reach South Tryon Street. )
Look for the balloons and sign!
For more information, call 704-358-4554.
We will be collecting new and gently used children’s books for donation to Promising Pages, a local organization that distributes these to area children in need.
Cindy Brewer
Cardinal Lane Book Fairs
327-B W. Tremont Ave.
Charlotte NC 28203
CindyBrewer@CardinalLaneBookFairs.com
704-358-4554
704-373-1247 Fax
Cardinal Lane is Partnering with Promising Pages during the summer warehouse sale! Bring in the books your kids have out grown and replace them at DEEP DISCOUNTS!
CARDINAL LANE BOOKFAIRS
ANNUAL 40% OFF WAREHOUSE SALE
Featuring a huge selection of preschool, children’s,
and teen books and activities!
Thursday, June 9 – Wednesday, June 15, 2011
9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. on weekdays
9:00 – 3:00 on Saturday, June 11
Closed on Sunday
Visa, MasterCard, checks, cash, and purchase orders accepted. Everyone is welcome!
Our warehouse is located at 327-B West Tremont Avenue in Charlotte.
(Turn off South Blvd. at Atherton Mill onto Tremont. Cross the light rail tracks. Look for us on the left before you reach South Tryon Street. )
Look for the balloons and sign!
For more information, call 704-358-4554.
We will be collecting new and gently used children’s books for donation to Promising Pages, a local organization that distributes these to area children in need.
Cindy Brewer
Cardinal Lane Book Fairs
327-B W. Tremont Ave.
Charlotte NC 28203
CindyBrewer@CardinalLaneBookFairs.com
704-358-4554
704-373-1247 Fax
3rd Graders Raise the Bar!
6/6/2011
Third Graders at Antioch Elementary School in Mathews collected 2,239 books!
Look on a teacher's desk this time of year and it's likely you'll find a gift or two from grinning students eager for summer to start. Kristen Bruch, asked her students to go a step further to help others instead. The third grade Antioch Elementary teacher asked her kids to donate books in lieu of a traditional end of the year gift.
Those seemingly ordinary pages may have little value left for the kids who have outgrown them, but they are the fundamental currency of a local non-profit called Promising Pages. The group collects new and used children's books, sorts them, holistically cleans them, wraps them, and finally, distributes them as gifts to at-
risk kids via their mascots "Erm the Bookworm" and "Erma the Book Worma." Eighty percent of their books that cycle through the program come from families who clean out book shelves and donate what the original owners have outgrown.
"When I heard about how the organization was turning kids on to reading at such an early age, in such a special way, I knew our class would want to help," said Bruch.
Within days, all six third grade classes at Antioch were on board for the Promising Pages book drive. The teachers hoped their student would collect several hundred books for the cause, but the nearly 150 kids surpassed every expectation, collecting more than 2,239 in just over a week. The total nearly rivals what Promising Pages and Classroom Central collected during their area-wide "Books and Basics" drive in May.
"I was blown away," said Promising Pages Executive Director, Kristina Cruise. "To us, this isn't 2,200 books. This is 2,200 more kids we will be able help this summer."
Cruise estimates there are 60,000 kids growing up in the Greater Charlotte area without books. Yet according to the U.S. Department of Education, if a child is not exposed to books by the time he or she enters kindergarten, they are 3 to 4 times more likely to drop out of school in later years.
"It's just something people don't think about," said Erin Shomber, a volunteer, who appeared as "Erma the Book Worma," at Antioch Friday. "These third graders are truly amazing for collecting this many books in such a short time."
Not only did the kids collect the books, they wrapped most of them at a June 3rd "Wrapping Party" at Antioch that ended with a pep-rally and raffle. The grand prize was a thirty dollar gift certificate to Barnes and Nobles
donated by a parent.
"I can only hope that our students learned how even a small donation like a book can have a big impact. The Book Drive was a huge success and I am truly moved by students’ willingness to give of themselves in such a way," said Bruch.
Look on a teacher's desk this time of year and it's likely you'll find a gift or two from grinning students eager for summer to start. Kristen Bruch, asked her students to go a step further to help others instead. The third grade Antioch Elementary teacher asked her kids to donate books in lieu of a traditional end of the year gift.
Those seemingly ordinary pages may have little value left for the kids who have outgrown them, but they are the fundamental currency of a local non-profit called Promising Pages. The group collects new and used children's books, sorts them, holistically cleans them, wraps them, and finally, distributes them as gifts to at-
risk kids via their mascots "Erm the Bookworm" and "Erma the Book Worma." Eighty percent of their books that cycle through the program come from families who clean out book shelves and donate what the original owners have outgrown.
"When I heard about how the organization was turning kids on to reading at such an early age, in such a special way, I knew our class would want to help," said Bruch.
Within days, all six third grade classes at Antioch were on board for the Promising Pages book drive. The teachers hoped their student would collect several hundred books for the cause, but the nearly 150 kids surpassed every expectation, collecting more than 2,239 in just over a week. The total nearly rivals what Promising Pages and Classroom Central collected during their area-wide "Books and Basics" drive in May.
"I was blown away," said Promising Pages Executive Director, Kristina Cruise. "To us, this isn't 2,200 books. This is 2,200 more kids we will be able help this summer."
Cruise estimates there are 60,000 kids growing up in the Greater Charlotte area without books. Yet according to the U.S. Department of Education, if a child is not exposed to books by the time he or she enters kindergarten, they are 3 to 4 times more likely to drop out of school in later years.
"It's just something people don't think about," said Erin Shomber, a volunteer, who appeared as "Erma the Book Worma," at Antioch Friday. "These third graders are truly amazing for collecting this many books in such a short time."
Not only did the kids collect the books, they wrapped most of them at a June 3rd "Wrapping Party" at Antioch that ended with a pep-rally and raffle. The grand prize was a thirty dollar gift certificate to Barnes and Nobles
donated by a parent.
"I can only hope that our students learned how even a small donation like a book can have a big impact. The Book Drive was a huge success and I am truly moved by students’ willingness to give of themselves in such a way," said Bruch.
Erma's TV Debut!
5/8/2011
"Erma the Book Worma" worms her way into the hearts of 4th graders.
5
You normally see her handing out school supplies at Classroom Central, but for one day Executive Director Janice Booth traded in her business casual for yellow felt, stunning stripes and brightly colored scarves.
Erma the Book Worma made her public debut on television in front of Mrs. Potter's amazing forth grade class at Ashley Park Elementary.
The kids enjoyed story time, and were allowed to touch Erma's magic "Promising Pages." Any child who touches the book, and believes in it will grow up to be smart, successful and give back to the world in any way they were destined to.
"And that’s why Erm and Erma are so great – the kids are getting exposure to books, but they don’t think of it like that. To them it’s a party, and that’s the first step in getting them excited about reading,” said Booth.
The TV news story helped promote our "Books and Basics Drive" running from now until May 13. Promising Pages and Classroom Central are partnering to collect 200,000 books for kids who have few, if any at home.
"There are tens of thousands of kids growing up around us who have no books at home. These children have never had an adult read them a bedtime story. As a result, they see reading as a chore. As a community, we can change this. These kids are our future. Reading is essential to their academic success but also to their ability to be creative, to feel inspired and to feel hope that they can change their life circumstances and break the cycle of poverty. Knowledge truly is power," said Booth.
5
You normally see her handing out school supplies at Classroom Central, but for one day Executive Director Janice Booth traded in her business casual for yellow felt, stunning stripes and brightly colored scarves.
Erma the Book Worma made her public debut on television in front of Mrs. Potter's amazing forth grade class at Ashley Park Elementary.
The kids enjoyed story time, and were allowed to touch Erma's magic "Promising Pages." Any child who touches the book, and believes in it will grow up to be smart, successful and give back to the world in any way they were destined to.
"And that’s why Erm and Erma are so great – the kids are getting exposure to books, but they don’t think of it like that. To them it’s a party, and that’s the first step in getting them excited about reading,” said Booth.
The TV news story helped promote our "Books and Basics Drive" running from now until May 13. Promising Pages and Classroom Central are partnering to collect 200,000 books for kids who have few, if any at home.
"There are tens of thousands of kids growing up around us who have no books at home. These children have never had an adult read them a bedtime story. As a result, they see reading as a chore. As a community, we can change this. These kids are our future. Reading is essential to their academic success but also to their ability to be creative, to feel inspired and to feel hope that they can change their life circumstances and break the cycle of poverty. Knowledge truly is power," said Booth.
Freedom School Partners Partner!
5/5/2011
Kids at Freedom School Partners help us decorate the 70+ donation boxes
More than 70 kids at 3 after-school locations brought out the markers, glitter and glue to dawn the sides of cardboard boxes.
"The kids poured their hearts into this boxes. They are already a part of a literacy based after-school program where they read books for fun every day. They wanted other kids to have the same experience through this drive," says Promising Pages Executive Director Kristina Cruise.
"Erma the Book Worma" celebrated with the contest winners who each received prizes. All of the younger kids received wrapped Promising Pages Books for their prize.
"It's so great to see how exited these kids are about reading," said Monica Bremm who played Erma. "Hopefully people who see their boxes out in the community will be inspired to place books and school supplies in them."
Check out the news story:
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Books-Needed-for-Charlotte-Kids-120658554.html
More than 70 kids at 3 after-school locations brought out the markers, glitter and glue to dawn the sides of cardboard boxes.
"The kids poured their hearts into this boxes. They are already a part of a literacy based after-school program where they read books for fun every day. They wanted other kids to have the same experience through this drive," says Promising Pages Executive Director Kristina Cruise.
"Erma the Book Worma" celebrated with the contest winners who each received prizes. All of the younger kids received wrapped Promising Pages Books for their prize.
"It's so great to see how exited these kids are about reading," said Monica Bremm who played Erma. "Hopefully people who see their boxes out in the community will be inspired to place books and school supplies in them."
Check out the news story:
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Books-Needed-for-Charlotte-Kids-120658554.html
Internship Program
4/10/2011
kristina.cruise@promisingpages.org
Make your summer semester count! Apply for our intership.
Internship Program, Summer 2012: Promising Pages is currently accepting internship applications for the spring 2012 semester. Roles include Marketing/ PR, Blogging and Social Media.
We are looking for bright and motivated self-starters who will play and integral role in the development of the Promising Pages brand and concept. If you are looking to stuff envelopes and answer phones this internship is not for you. Ideal candidates will be working toward a Bachelors degree in Education, Early Childhood Development, Sociology, Social Work, Marketing or Communications. Candidates should have a love of children and a deep need to help better their community. Preferred candidates will also be willing to take on social networking initiatives, event planning, donation drives as well as volunteers outreach and brand building. Creativity as well as organizational and follow-through skills are a must. Promising Pages is an accredited 501c3 non-profit operating in Charlotte, NC whose mission is to offer all kids a fair shot at life by giving kids the tools they need to succeed at an early age. We do this by collecting an redistributing new and gently used books in the form of wrapped presents to the 60,000 kids in the Charlotte area who have few, if any at home. Together we are working to change the world, one child and one book at a time. Our internship program is non-paid and runs from June 1st to August 1st of 2012, unless otherwise specified. This is a part-time leadership opportunity. A commitment of 20 hours per week is expected. Hours are flexible. Applications are due by May 15th, 2012. For more information or to apply for summer 2012 Promising Pages internship placement please contact us at info@promisingpages.com or call us at (704) 399- 1934.
Spring Book Drive!
4/5/2011
"Books and Basics--Give Kids a Future" Campaign, May 2 - 20th!
A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Books and Basics drive with Classroom Central. If you didn't get a chance to drop off your books/ supplies you can do so at any time at any one of our following partners:
Healthy Home Market--South Blvd
The Last Word- University Area
Charlotte Sports and Fitness- Northlake
Charlotte Sports and Fitness- Cornelius
Sauceman's Restaurant- West Blvd.
Thanks so much! More updates to come!
A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Books and Basics drive with Classroom Central. If you didn't get a chance to drop off your books/ supplies you can do so at any time at any one of our following partners:
Healthy Home Market--South Blvd
The Last Word- University Area
Charlotte Sports and Fitness- Northlake
Charlotte Sports and Fitness- Cornelius
Sauceman's Restaurant- West Blvd.
Thanks so much! More updates to come!
Sports and Fitness Rocks!
3/11/2011
Special Thanks to Charlotte Sports and Fitness clubs...
A special thanks to Charlotte Sports and fitness clubs in Northlake and Cornelius. in only a few short weeks Promising Pages has already collected several hundred children's books from the gym sites. The books are in incredible condition and will be greatly appreciated by a children in the area who otherwise may not have books at home. Check out some of the books here on our facebook page.
Every single book is cleaned, wrapped and presented as a 'present' and it means a whole lot to these kids. Your donations will help them foster a love of reading at an early age and set their mind on a track of life- long cognitive development and healthy self esteem.
For donating guidelines click here. Keep them coming! The book drive will run though mid May, in conjunction with our city wide drive.
A special thanks to Charlotte Sports and fitness clubs in Northlake and Cornelius. in only a few short weeks Promising Pages has already collected several hundred children's books from the gym sites. The books are in incredible condition and will be greatly appreciated by a children in the area who otherwise may not have books at home. Check out some of the books here on our facebook page.
Every single book is cleaned, wrapped and presented as a 'present' and it means a whole lot to these kids. Your donations will help them foster a love of reading at an early age and set their mind on a track of life- long cognitive development and healthy self esteem.
For donating guidelines click here. Keep them coming! The book drive will run though mid May, in conjunction with our city wide drive.
Kids thankful for books!
1/11/2011
Montagnard kids receive books at annual Christmas Party...
Over the holidays, Promising Pages partnered with a local church to provide "new" age-appropriate books to a group of Montagnard children for their annual Christmas Party. For political and economic reasons, most of the children who are refugees of Vietnam, were not permitted to be educated there. The church who mentors the kids see 6, 10 and even 16 year olds who come into this country unable to read in any language. The Community in Christ Lutheran Church in Cornelius, NC runs the largest Montagnard literacy program in the state. The volunteers have seen incredible successes, including kids who have moved though 9 and a 1/2 grade levels in a year and a half despite being enrolled in some Charlotte's worst failing schools. They've seen dozens of kids who couldn't read a stitch who are now getting A's and B's in a their classes! The program's success hinges on dedicated volunteers addressing a critical need, as well as the children's access to age appropriate reading material. Promising Pages proudly donated some 50 books to the cause and we hope to do even more next year, perhaps providing at-home "libraries" for each of the families. The children were overjoyed to have their own Promising Pages "presents" and are excited about being on our website.
We also donated books to the more than a dozen Salvation Army Angel Tree Children that the Carolina 14 news division sponsored. This came of the heels of a Time Warner/ Promising Pages Holiday book drive at Carolina 14 News.
Over the holidays, Promising Pages partnered with a local church to provide "new" age-appropriate books to a group of Montagnard children for their annual Christmas Party. For political and economic reasons, most of the children who are refugees of Vietnam, were not permitted to be educated there. The church who mentors the kids see 6, 10 and even 16 year olds who come into this country unable to read in any language. The Community in Christ Lutheran Church in Cornelius, NC runs the largest Montagnard literacy program in the state. The volunteers have seen incredible successes, including kids who have moved though 9 and a 1/2 grade levels in a year and a half despite being enrolled in some Charlotte's worst failing schools. They've seen dozens of kids who couldn't read a stitch who are now getting A's and B's in a their classes! The program's success hinges on dedicated volunteers addressing a critical need, as well as the children's access to age appropriate reading material. Promising Pages proudly donated some 50 books to the cause and we hope to do even more next year, perhaps providing at-home "libraries" for each of the families. The children were overjoyed to have their own Promising Pages "presents" and are excited about being on our website.
We also donated books to the more than a dozen Salvation Army Angel Tree Children that the Carolina 14 news division sponsored. This came of the heels of a Time Warner/ Promising Pages Holiday book drive at Carolina 14 News.