Summer 2017 Book Report

Summer 2017

THE BOOK REPORT News and Notes about Books from Birth

Growing New Readers Finding ways to enroll children in Books from Birth ENROLLMENT SOURCES IN 2017 ONLINE (Websites & Social Media) HOSPITALS/CLINICS WELCOME BABY OUTREACH EVENTS HEAD START PROGRAM LIBRARIES SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS *The Tennessee Department of Health mails a Well Baby packet to the parents of every newborn in Tennessee. This packet includes information about community resources for parents, including a brochure describing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.

SHELBY COUNTY TOTALS (July 2005 - June 2017)

76,914 GRADUATES

4.3 M

BOOKS MAILED

BOOKS MAILED PER MONTH 46,624

Did you know Books from Birth retains the highest number of enrolled children of any Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in the world?

Enrollment is made possible through consistent, strategic outreach from individuals like you and local partnerships, both of which want to invest in the children of Shelby County.

Genae Strong, Ph.D. leads the U of M Loewenberg School of Nursing OB class, which assists BfB by enrolling children in the Imagination Library.

A partnership with the Loewenberg College of Nursing at the University of Memphis, helps future nurses learn to synthesize research and use it to educate new parents of early literacy’s importance. As part of an obstetrics (OB) nursing class, Dr. Genae Strong asks her nursing students interact with parents and offer to enroll the patient’s baby in the Imagination Library (IL).

The students explain the developmental and social benefits that can result from a parent and child reading together. The nurse offers to fill out an enrollment form with the patient and gives the patient a IL book for their child. In a recent interview, Strong emphasizes the positive effect early literacy can have on brain growth and school readiness.

She is a strong proponent of actively enrolling children by educating mothers why literacy is so important before they ever leave the hospital. Dr. Strong states that after having a child, “parents are inundated with decisions and paperwork and may only stay in the hospital 24 hours after the birth of a child.” She believes if approached by the right messenger with credible, supporting evidence, the decision to enroll a child in Books from Birth should be easy.

As Books from Birth continues to grow, it will continue to look for new and innovative ways to reach children and their families in an effort to promote kindergarten readiness and strengthen family bonds throughout Shelby County.

8,316

JUNE 2006

Books from Birth, established in July 2005, mailed its first group of 2500 books in September of that same year. Today, almost twelve years later, Books from Birth provides books to over 46,000 children each month. This number represents 69% of all children under five in Shelby County.

JUNE 2017

The Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation evaluated the effectiveness of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Tennessee (2004-2014). A summary of this research reported the following impacts:* 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Children have stronger early reading skills.

Children are more prepared for school.

Imagination Library fosters strong speech and vocabulary.

Children develop essential life skills.

Children begin school with book handling skills and an understanding of letter and word concepts.

Families connect around books.

Books in the home support a child’s continued success.

Children are excited about books and reading!

*For more information see: An Impact Analysis: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Tennessee, 2004 – 2014 (Available at governorsfoundation.org/about/early-literacy)

Cover Photo: Preschool children practice reading with the help of a St. Mary’s Episcopal School student, Bella Zafer, at February’s A Book & A Bite literacy workshop.

Donor Spotlight

Supporting Books from Birth for over a dozen years Nancy Bogatin is no stranger to blazing a trail for the children of Shelby County. In fact, Nancy chaired a federal education effort led by former US Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander which focused on ensuring children are prepared for kindergarten. This experience along with years spent volunteering her time and resources to local nonprofit organizations such as Goals for Memphis (predecessor of the New Memphis Institute), the Alliance for Non-Profit Excellence, Memphis Literacy Council (predecessor of Literacy Mid-South) and Partners in Public Education made Nancy an ideal advisor for a grassroots literacy effort centered on advancing kindergarten readiness in Shelby County.

True to her ability to be “in tune” with education initiatives in Tennessee and beyond, Bogatin had already read about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, when she was approached by fellow civic activists and education supporters to help establish a new early literacy program in Shelby County.

Although humble about her contributions to the effort, Nancy’s work alongside fellow change makers like Barbara Holden Nixon, Barbara Jacobs and then Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. brought Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Shelby County in July 2005. She served on the Books from Birth Board of Directors from 2005 until 2010.

Mayor Wharton and Nancy Bogatin at Books from Birth’s 2017 Spring Luncheon

Now, almost a dozen years since the organization’s birth, Nancy Bogatin is still passionate about the mission of Books from Birth and the children that benefit from the program.

“You can not succeed in any stage of life without literacy” Nancy states. She adds Books from Birth “is much more than just reading, it establishes an intimacy between a parent and a child.”

When asked why she continues to support Books from Birth, the nonagenarian quickly answers, “Just look at the statistics* ... regardless of where you come from, being together in a family atmosphere and reading a book that you both can relate to ... you establish a whole different feeling. And, that is why I think Books from Birth is one of the best thing we’ve got going here in Memphis.”

If you would like to join Nancy in your continued support of Books from Birth’s mission, consider giving a fiscal year-end gift by using the enclosed envelope or by visiting booksfrombirth.org/donate.

The Little Engine Circle Contributions that have helped Books from Birth climb to new heights Established in 2014, The Little Engine Circle honors donors, both individuals and groups, who have contributed $50,000 or more during their lifetime of giving to Books from Birth.

Anonymous Foundations (2) Anonymous Individual BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation Church of the Holy Communion City of Memphis First Tennessee Foundation Gerber Taylor Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation Hyde Family Foundations International Paper Foundation John D. Buckman Charitable Trust Junior League of Memphis The Klyce Family Nell Rainer Levy McGehee Family Foundation Plough Foundation Jocelyn and William Rudner The Schadt Foundation Mary and Joe* Scheuner Leslie and Peter Schutt Shelby County Government Bonnie Vare Smith* UnitedHealthcare United Way of the Mid-South Urban Child Institute *Indicates The Little Engine Circle designation given posthumously

*Visit booksfrombirth.org/research for more information about the impact of Books from Birth.

What is more fundamental to building a strong community of readers than strong and healthy eyes! Books from Birth is grateful for a generous gift received from Eclectic Eye. This gift was used directly toward the cost of providing the books of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to children throughout Shelby County.

Community Spotlight Tea with Miss Tennessee - Bartlett Friends Toast Literacy

Over 100 guests joined BfB for a fun and festive afternoon in Bartlett with guest speaker Miss Tennessee 2016 Grace Burgess. A native of Bartlett, Grace is a long-time supporter and advocate for Books from Birth. Grace shared her perspective on the significance of early literacy and discussed her extensive efforts to promote literacy, including her current work as Miss Tennessee.

Little MSC Princesses attended the Tea in support of their fellow pagent participant, Miss Tennessee Grace Burgess.

Event Chair Judy Teague and her team of talented volunteers, including retired Bartlett Schools librarian and longtime BfB volunteer, Lynn Chambers, created the perfect atmosphere, with a unique themed tea set on every table. Guests enjoyed delicious refreshments and bid on silent auction items generously donated by local businesses. This event provided a wonderful opportunity to engage with long-time friends and to introduce new supporters to BfB’s mission.

Bartlett Library Director Chip Holliday and members of the Library staff hosted a fabulous “pop up” library for our guests to visit, and members of the Friends of the Library group provided a display highlighting their support of the Library and the community.

Even newly enrolled children like, Michael, attended Tea with Miss Tennessee in Bartlett.

Special guests included Bartlett Vice Mayor Jack Young and our outstanding Master of Ceremonies, Ron Childers, Chief Meteorologist for WMC Action News 5.

Books from Birth thanks our event sponsors, Dennis Electric, Inc., Bartlett Dental Associates and Old World Floors for making the event possible, and the City of Bartlett and the Bartlett community for their continued support.

(L to R) Cindy Bennett, BfB Development Officer; RonChilders of WMC Action News 5, Miss Tennessee Grace Burges, and Jack Young, Vice Mayor of Bartlett at the Tea with Miss Tennessee event benefiting Books from Birth.

Little Red Caboose Club Families of graduates provide for the future of Books from Birth

Families can provide other children new, high-quality, age-appropriate books from the same program their child grew to love by donating on behalf of their graduates. Members of the Little Red Caboose Club receive an adorable car magnet, announcing both their participation in Books from Birth and that they have given back at the end of their journey.

Kathleen Abart – Graduate, Bradley

Melinda Henson – Graduate, Julia

Deborah Parker – Graduate, Aniston

Hannah Altomar – Graduate, Chloe

Erin Hillyard – Graduate, Noah

Patricia Parrish – Graduate, Avery

Tiffany Bowders – Graduate, Genevieve

Lyndsey Kelley – Graduate, Wilson

Ha Pham – Graduate, Aiden

Phineas Bresee – Graduate, Luke

Adrian Kurre – Graduates, Matthew and Maddox

Shelby Stonecipher – Graduate, Alexa

Lauren Culpepper – Graduate, Ryleigh

Jennifer Lofton – Graduate, Charlotte

Kimberly Strohkirch – Graduate, Sophie

Joe DeLuca – Graduate, Grayden

Laura Logue – Graduate, Anna

Brian Thoren – Graduate, Leah

Anne Dixon – Graduate, Lucas

Karol Lorinc – Graduate, Brianna

Rebekah Turpin – Graduate, Nathaniel

Wendy Echeverria – Graduate, Ana

Erin McBride – Graduate, Cooper

Lisa Usdan – Graduate, Paige

Kristin Foreman – Graduates, Mathew and Michael

Heather Nishimura – Graduate, Edem

Wendy Washington – Graduate, Karter

Spring Luncheon

Celebrating advocates of early literacy and twelve years of Books from Birth

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland (L) and Tennessee’s First Lady Crissy Haslam (R) after BfB’s Luncheon

On April 7, over 500 people gathered to learn how Books from Birth is “Growing New Readers by Leaps and Bounds.” Guests entered the FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms and found a garden, inspired by The Tale of Peter Rabbit written by Beatrix Potter and included in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. They had the opportunity to contribute to BfB in the “bunny shop,” to bid on a beautiful Herend porcelain bunny figurine donated

by Social, and to enjoy treats from Sweet LaLa’s Bakery.

Lauren Wilson Young, Owner of Sweet LaLa’s Bakery with Ernie Freeman and Valerie Calhoun of FOX13 Memphis at BfB’s “Growing New Readers by Leaps and Bounds” luncheon.

Event Chair and BfB Board Member: Stephanie Simpson Event Committee: Louise Barousse, Diane Chambliss, Carolyn Danley, Madelyn Gray, Brittney Haynie, Alison Henneberger, Lisa Morten, Casey McNeil, Meredith Park, Ebonye Stewart, Hallie Ward and Lauren Yoakum *Not all members are pictured above.

Books from Birth was also pleased to honor the award’s first recipient, Miss Tennessee Grace Burgess at this year’s lunch.

Grace’s was inspired to choose her literacy platform by her love of reading, but it was an experience babysitting for children that had a lack of books in their home that turned her passion into action. Since she was a student at Bartlett High School, Grace has volunteered with Books from Birth, raising funds and awareness about the importance of early literacy.

The event ended with an atmosphere of celebration and Valerie Calhoun of FOX13 Memphis emceed the luncheon’s program and after a warm welcome from Memphis Mayor Jim a closing word from Shelby Strickland, introduced First Lady Crissy Haslam who served County Mayor Mark Luttrell. as the afternoon’s keynote speaker. First Lady Haslam told the This celebration would not have been possible without audience about the many ways she and the State of Tennesthe incredible support of our see are encouraging parents to invest in their child’s reading proficiency like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in partnership sponsors. The proceeds from the “Growing New Readers by with the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation.

Leaps and Bounds” luncheon Additionally, Books from Birth will help BfB provide the Imagcommemorated the establish- ination Library program across ment of the A C Wharton, Jr. Shelby County to children from Literacy Award. The award is birth to age five.

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell (L) and John Gillespie (R) given to an individual or group who in the course of their work Thank you to our Front Page Sponsors! displays superior advocacy of children’s literacy. The plaque featured a piece by local artist, Danny Broadway entitled, “Exploring Reading.” While accepting his award, Mayor Wharton stated that books are treasured possessions.

Miss Tennessee Grace Burgess and Mayor Wharton displaying their plaques commemorating the A C Wharton, Jr.

He explained that while growing up in rural Tennessee, he did not have the opportunity to check out books from the library.

However, because of his curiosity for education and hunger for literature, Wharton convinced a librarian to lend him books without anyone’s knowledge.

In-Kind Sponsors: Guardian Concierge, Pimentos Kitchen + Market, Social and Sweet LaLa’s Bakery

Thank you to our incredible supporters!

Gifts listed given between July 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abell Mr. and Mrs. Abuelouf Ace Awareness Foundation Dr. Rebecca Anderson Anonymous (3) Arnoult & Associates Inc. Baptist Memorial Health Care Mr. and Mrs. Bert Barnett Mr. and Mrs. John Barrett Dr. and Mrs. William Bickers Ms. Nancy Bogatin Mr. and Mrs. Matt Bond Mr. and Mrs. John Bondurant Mr. Phineas Bresee Mr. Joel Brown Ms. Rebecca Burns Ms. Susan Callison Mrs. Julianna Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Craig Cardwell Mr. Paul Carella Carrier Corporation United Technologies Climate, Controls & Security Mr. and Mrs. Eugene K. Cashman, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. George Cates Church Of The Holy Communion City Of Germantown Ms. Louise Claney Collierville Rotary Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Keith Collins Ms. Janice Compton Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cowens DelBrocco & Associates Ms. Andra DeVincenzo Mr. Jed Dreifus Judy Drescher and Dave Lindstrom Ms. Sherry DuBose-Murphy Mr. and Mrs. William B. Dunavant, Jr. Ms. Shelley Durfee Eclectic Eye Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Engelberg Ms. Gloria Felsenthal Lisa Fitzgerald Kevin Floyd Hal Fogelman Mr. Harry Freeman Friends of the Bartlett Public Library Angie Gardner Ms. Christa George and Mr. Chris Wood Mr. and Mrs. JW Gibson Colleen Gideon Mr. and Mrs. Art Gilliam Ms. Kristy Gipson

Fall 2017

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Goldsworthy Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gooch Mr. Geoffrey Goodin Mr. and Mrs. Jerold Graber Grace-St.Luke’s Episcopal Church Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Hackett Mr. Douglas Halijan Mr. and Mrs. William Hamic Ms. Pat Hannah Dr. Holly Hilsenbeck Mr. and Mrs. William Nixon Lana Holmes Hyde Family Foundation International Paper Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Jones Ms. Cate Joyce Ms. Charlene Kalb Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Kelsey Ms. Susan Kingston Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Kinnear Mr. and Mrs. Cooper Kline Ms. Ellen Klyce Mr. and Mrs. Roger Knox Adrian Kurre Ms. Kim Lasko Ms. Barbara Lawrence Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lee Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lemmi Ms. Joyce Lower Ms. Caroline MacQueen Mr. and Mrs. Nick Vergos Mr. and Mrs. Lee Mallory Ms. Katie Mallory Mrs. Julia Maroda Mr. Mack McCaul Ms. Barbara McCloskey The Honorable and Mrs. Keith McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Phillip McNeill Mr. and Mrs. Logan Meeks Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Midgley Mr. and Mrs. Fred Miller Monogram Loves Kids Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jack Moore Mr. and Mrs. D. Stephen Morrow Ms. Brooke Morrow Mr. and Mrs. Brent Mullins Mr. and Mrs. John Mutin Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Newman Ms. Darlene Newman Mr. and Mrs. Ken Nix Mr. and Mrs. Dan O’Brien Ms. Carleen O’Reilly

Ms. Luann Optican Ms. Dorothy Orgill Kirsch The Honorable Mike Palazzolo Mr. and Mrs. Dan Poag Mr. James Reid Mr. and Mrs. Neil Ringel Mr. and Mrs. Matt Robbins Dr. and Mrs. Robert Ruch Ms. Diane Sachs and Mr. Bob Vidulich Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Saslawsky Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Schadt Mr. Charles Schaffler Mrs. Mary Scheuner Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Seamons Mr. and Mrs. Albert Shaw Shelby County Board of Education Shelby County Government Shelby County Mayor’s Charitable Fund Ms. Stephanie Simpson Ms. Jennifer Sink Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Sklar Dr. Chapman Smith Ms. Deborah L. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Grayson Smith Dr. and Mrs. Michael Smith Speer Charitable Trust Ms. Ginger Spickler Ms. Katherine Spurlock Mrs. Karen Stettler Mr. and Mrs. John Straton Ms. Kimberly Strohkirch Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Sumner Ms. Susan Sutton Dr. Bianca Sweeten and Mr. K.R. Sweeten Mr. Raymond Tanner Mr. Brian Thoren Ms. Mary Todd Town of Collierville Mary Ueleke Ms. Mary VanGieson Mr. and Mrs. Ted Waxler Mr. and Mrs. Greg Weidenhoffer Kelly Wetter Mr. and Mrs. Jason Wicks Ms. Elizabeth Williamson Mr and Mrs. Page Williamson Mr. and Mrs. Gary Wilson Ms. Linda Wimmer Mr. Mike Wood Xerox Corporation *Gifts listed above were $100 or greater*

Upcoming Events Winter 2017

September 16 –

The Reindeer Rockout dances, benefiting BfB return for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.Registration opens online at 10 am on November 1st.

Book It 5k at 9:00 am - Church of the Holy Communion Register on bookit5k.racesonline.com

Sunday, November 26 – 6th grade dance at Memphis Botanic Gardens

TBA – “A Book & A Bite” workshops return Fall 2017 made possible through a grant from the St. Mary’s Community Fund. If you are interested in becoming involved with the fall workshops, contact BfB at (901) 820-4501.

Sunday, December 3 – 7th grade dance at The Racquet Club – 8th grade dance at Memphis Botanic Gardens

Honoraria

John Aitken Louise Claney Honor Adopted Child, Andrew Staff of Books from Birth Timothy and Leslie Baynes Brittany Alexander Laura Bivens Julie Umansky Nancy Bogatin Jeanne Carr Barbara Holden Nixon Mary Braddock Chickasaw Bluff Chapter, NSDAR Cynthia Burnett Tom Beasley Charles Cape Margaret Taylor Birthday of Jenny Carter Dorothy Berry Friends and Family during the Holiday Season Nancy Bogatin Julie Gardino Chloee Poag Diane Sachs Margaret Smith Stephanie Smith Katherine Spurlock John Straton Sarah Cowens Nancy Miller Bill and Margaret Craddock Barbara Holden Nixon Ellen Klyce Barbara Holden Nixon Andra DeVincenzo Angie Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Drew Douglass Mary Todd Trey and Arlana Douglass Alice Hircher Tricia and Chip Dudley Barbara Holden Nixon Marion Quinlen

Memorial Gifts

Charlotte Bernsen Nancy Bogatin Mary Bronstein Nancy Bogatin Deane Bryant Pamela Hasty Billy Cary Mark Cary Rainer Combs Mary Green Chris Wood Anna Dewdney, Llama Llama Author ACE Awareness Foundation Ina Eiseman Nancy Bogatin Becky and Paul Eldridge Margaret Eldridge Polly Fontana Mark Cary Steve Friedman Mildred Schwartz Gatlinburg fire victims Jennifer Durley Jackie Glisson Nancy Bogatin Marsha Herrin Donna Graham Bud Hisky Nancy Bogatin

*Bold Names Indicate Honorees Brian and Haley Edmonds Linda and Ron Sklar Emmanuel United Methodist Kindergarten Teachers Charlie and Hank Lomax Farmington Elementary Teachers and Staff Hillery Efkeman Help for the Gatlinburg Fires Jennifer Durley Aimee Ginsburg Peggy Adler Kate Gooch Vivian Spicer Turnvull Her Mother’s Birthday Ginger Graves Michael Greenberg Diane Rudner Horace Lee and Betty Gullick Katie Mallory Alexis Hennessy Meredith Hennessy Mr. and Mrs. William Himmelreich for Christmas June Wilcox Robert and Bridget Johnson Lisa Usdan Katherine and Will Johnston Peggy Adler Michele and Jay Kaufman for Chanukkah Elaine Kaufman Myra Kelso Margaret Taylor The Birthday of Mary Knight Lisa Chow-Mallory Todd Love Jeanne Miller Birthday of Kim MacQueen Stephanie Simpson The Birthday of Smith Mallory Mary-Grace Gentry Lana Holmes Grace Knight Simone Meeks Jennifer Tucker Shirley Marshall Margaret Taylor

The Birth of Edward Maynard Emily Woodside Dr. Randy McCloy Elizabeth Williamson Mr. and Mrs. Phil McNeill Susan Sutton Lisa Morten D. Stephen Morrow Linus and James O’Reilly Carleen O’Reilly Arnel and Robyn Pallera Lisa Usdan Meredith Pritchartt Dorothy Kirsch Geraldine Rawls Carrie Peters Birthday of Agnes Rich Brandy Miller Birthday of Janice Ringel Leigh Mansberg Anne Roane Margaret Taylor Richard and Nancy Robinson Linda Newman-Sklar Birthday of Ellen Rolfes Nancy Bogatin Ronny and Linda Sklar Louise Sklar Mildred Schwartz Louise Sklar Birthday of Anita Smith Gina Smith Mike and Anita Smith and James White Gina Smith Staff of Books from Birth Marlene Shaw Cailey Nicole Strickland Cate Joyce John and Margaret Ueleke Mary Ueleke Sally Walker Davies Angie Gardner Alexander Wharton Tavarski Hughes

Janet Kelley Nancy Bogatin Judy Korones Nancy Bogatin Bob Kurtz Nancy Bogatin Mrs. Pat Kyle Gerri Camurati Kelly Kyro Margaret Cardwell Evy Halle Levy Nancy Bogatin Jerri Linskey Carrie Peters Clarence L. Mallory Katie Mallory Frankie Sue Ryan McKelvey Wendy Echeverria Jack Owen Cindy Bennett Lillie and John Robertson Katie Mallory Betty Jo Rowan Ava Rowan Portis Joe Scheuner Leo Arnoult and Arnoult & Associates Carol and Bert Barnett Nancy Bogatin Richard Caen Paul Carella

Pam and Sam Chafetz Perry Dement Joan Dermon Dale Goldmacher Rayna Greenberg John D. Ivy and Frazee Ivy Davis, PLC Thomas C. Lee Jr. Joyce Lower Dan Murrell Donna and Rusty Newman David Okeon Chloee Poag Stephen Shankman Leslie Shankman-Cohn Stephanie Simpson Staff of Books from Birth Berry Anne Wilson Dr. W. Chapman Smith Carol Schneider Nancy Bogatin Cecily W. Tipton David Tipton Brenda Widner Brandoria Miller Louis Willard Hannah Altomar Margaret and Winston Wilson Margaret Eldridge Eleanor Van Horn Margaret Cardwell

Books from Birth P. O. Box 17008 Memphis, TN 38187-0008

Books from Birth Board of Directors Carol Seamons – Board Chair Mark O’Malley – Vice-Chair

TENNESSEE’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation (GBBF), in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and our statewide county affiliate programs, builds a foundation for reading and learning through books for Tennessee’s children. All children from birth to age five are eligible to receive books at no cost to families. Providing books in the home is a unique opportunity for family engagement, vocabulary and reading skills development. We are preparing children for lifelong learning through reading.

Sarah Cowens – Secretary Lisa Chow Mallory – Treasurer Dr. Becky Anderson Judy Drescher Cate Joyce John Lewis Kim MacQueen

50%

95 LOCAL AFFILIATE PROGRAMS

50%

Casey McNeill Katie Midgley Darlene Newman

• Raise 50% of funds for books & mailing • Enroll children, promote program

• Raises 50% of funds for books & mailing • Supports affiliate programs

Mary Scheuner Peter Schutt Marlene Shaw

How it works:

Manages selection, pricing and distribution of books

Each local affiliate program enrolls children, promotes the program in its community and raises funds for half of the cost of books and mailing.

Through an annual state grant, the GBBF funds the other half of the cost of books and mailing and supports local affiliate programs through fundraising, volunteer training and public relations.

Stephanie Simpson Gina Smith Jenny Mallery Vergos Alexander Wharton Dr. Jason Yaun

The Dollywood Foundation manages selection, pricing and distribution of the books.

Books from Birth Staff

This is a dynamic public-private partnership unlike any other in the U.S. today.

Jamila Wicks Executive Director Cindy Bennett Development Officer Pat Hannah Office Manager Mary Braddock Communications Manager

Books arrive in the mailboxes of Tennessee’s children

GovernorsFoundation.org