Information » Motivational Events

Green Foundation Program Director Attends Mann ES Event!

Program Director Elena Hermanson recently attended “The Gift of Reading” Motivational Reading Event at Mann ES, personally experiencing children’s excitement when choosing a new book to keep as their very own.

We sincerely thank The Green Foundation for helping RIFSoCal build a powerful program to support our children’s literacy development.  Elena is the second from left.

The Eisner Foundation supports RIFSoCal!

We want our efforts to help children not just temporarily, but enduringly, by giving them the tools to dream and their families the resources to realize those dreams.

—Jane Eisner, President

RIFSoCal sincerely thanks The Eisner Foundation for believing, with us, that when you give a child a book you have given them the world…

Elle Febbo, a Powerful Force for GOOD

“There is no greater sense of Spiritual Accomplishment than to live and work from the heart with purpose, and embrace life’s highest potential.  Never let anyone stop you from living your mission”

~Elle Febbo

Elle Febbo is fast becoming a RIFSoCal hero! 

As a best selling author, globally published journalist, speaker, and feminine leader, Elle encourages parents to read to their children to bond, to inspire an enjoyment of reading, to promote good self esteem, to improve critical thinking and problem solving skills, to increase vocabulary, and to enhance positive social behavior.

Her message to “Pick a book-ANY BOOK!” parallels what we do every day – let children choose a new book to keep as their very own!  Her message that creating an age appropriate at home library is a gift offering shelf after shelf of imagination parallels our mission to promote literacy and motivate children to read by building at-home libraries for underserved children. 

“What Love Is: A to Z,” Elle’s best selling children’s book, is a colorful and inspiring journey through the ABC’s of Love. Produced to serve as a tool for creating lasting, positive change for our children, it is also a resource to support and strengthen non- profit organizations - like RIFSoCal! - as they serve and support our youth.
 
Please visit Elle’s website for more information regarding her speaking engagements and books. http://www.WhatLoveIsA-Z.com.

Macy’s Raises $4.9 Million for Reading Is Fundamental

WASHINGTON, August 11, 2011: For the third year in a row, more than 1 million Macy’s customers sprung into action to support Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest children’s literacy nonprofit. From June 24 - July 31, Macy’s customers donated $3 through the Be Book Smart campaign to provide a book for a child, and Macy’s donated 100 percent of every $3 to RIF for a total donation of $4.9 million. The organizations partnered with the goal of giving 1 million books to children.

“RIF is overwhelmed by the generous support of Macy’s and the millions of customers who shopped during the Be Book Smart campaign”, said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. “As we look to our future, we are pleased to call Macy’s our partner and appreciate their ongoing commitment to RIF and our efforts to improve children’s literacy in the United States.”

Earlier this year, federal funding for RIF was eliminated from the budget which accounts for 80 percent of the organization’s overall operating budget. Macy’s annual campaign offered a timely opportunity to help increase private funding for the organization while giving back to local communities. 

“Giving back to local communities is a cornerstone of our business,” said Martine Reardon, executive vice president of marketing for Macy’s. “Reading Is Fundamental has a long history of inspiring children to read and achieve by providing books to own at home. Macy’s passionately supports children’s literacy, and we thank our customers for adding their generous contribution to the RIF organization.”

Since 2004, RIF’s partnership with Macy’s has raised nearly $21 million to support children’s literacy through customer-supported fundraising campaigns, in-store events, and volunteer activities. Last year, Macy’s supported RIF programs that provided 3.6 million free books to more than 1.2 million children and donated 350 multicultural book collections to RIF programs throughout the country.

About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy’s stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks(R) and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade(R), as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

About RIF
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year.