Fillmore, CA – Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest children’s literacy organization selected Fillmore Unified School District’s RIF program to receive a $5,000 literacy grant to host a Family Reading Celebration event for local families. RIF awarded 19 programs – including Fillmore’s RIF program– family reading grants totaling $77,500. The grants will promote family engagement at RIF sites serving 50,000 children in 16 states across the country.

“This grant will help us get books to the children in our community who need them most,” said Jennifer Weir, Fillmore’s RIF Coordinator. “The books we’re providing kids may be the only books they have. The path to success starts with literacy and our celebration will help these children and their families truly discover the joy of reading.”

The local literacy reading celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, October 23 from 5-7pm at Fillmore Middle School. All 3rd grade students and their immediate families are invited to attend this special event where they will receive book packs and free books as well as dinner. Our special guest and author for the evening is Paula Phillips, author, recording artist and founder of Right Road Kids. Pre-registration at each school site is highly encouraged to ensure that all students will receive all of the reading surprises on the day of the event. Flyers will be sent home with all third grade students on Oct. 3 and expected to return on Oct. 5. Dr. Alan Nishino, Fillmore’s Superintendent shared, “As most of us know, reading is an essential skill to become successful in school and in the future. We are pleased that we have entered into a program where we can have the motto of “Student Success Whatever it Takes”.

“Through the generous support of Macy’s, we’re excited to be able to provide Fillmore’s RIF program with a Family Reading Celebration grant,” said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. “There is only one book for every 300 children living in poverty in this country. The books RIF provides to kids can truly have a life-changing affect for children, for their families and for America.”

"Macy's has been committed to RIF's mission of educating and empowering children through literacy since 2004. We are especially proud to support RIF's creative programs across the country that are designed to empower children and their families to becoming lifelong readers," said Martine Reardon, chief marketing officer for Macy's, Inc. “With RIF, America's children are learning that reading is not only fundamental, but also fun and key for future success." She added, "The power of literacy helps shape a more competitive and innovative America.”

To date, through a multi-year partnership with Macy’s, RIF has distributed $250,000 in Family Reading Celebration grant funds to more than 70 programs. Since 2004, Macy’s has been a proud supporter of RIF, raising more than $21 million for RIF.

About Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (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. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF’s website at www.rif.org.

For more information regarding Fillmore’s Family Literacy Event on October 23, 2012, contact:
Jennifer Weir
Fillmore Unified School District
805-524-8036
jweir@fillmore.k12.ca.us