Kandace Bass's Fundraiser
Join me in donating to the Iowa Book Challenge and rallying your friends, family, and networks to support Reach Out and Read's work.
Help make a difference. Please give today.
Help me foster a love of reading from the start!
Join me in supporting real change. Share our link and help us put more books in the hands and homes of children and families across Iowa. Donate any amount today and help us WIN $1,500 in bonus books for the team with the most individual donors!
Reading has been a big part of my life ever since I was a young child. I asked my grandma to read to me so often that she recorded herself reading books on tape so that she could get other tasks done but I could still listen to her read to me. Reading opens so many doors of opportunity in life and is so important for brain development in children. Most importantly, reading books together increases the bond between children and caregivers and decreases stress, so important during these past couple of years with the pandemic.
The Reach Out and Read program is instrumental in increasing young children's exposure to books and words. Many of MercyOne's parents are single and struggle to find the time and resources to build at- home libraries. Research has repeatedly shown the impact of that early exposure and engagement with language on the youngest of our vulnerable children.
By helping them build a home library and having frequent discussions with the parent about how they can impact their child’s future with reading at least 15 minutes every day, we are performing the best of preventive medicine.
If my team raises the most money, they will receive a $1,500 gift certificate for books, ensuring that children and families will continue to get the books they need. All our participating clinics will receive a brand-new box of books.