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2009 Event Highlights |
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Empire State Building - To commemorate Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Day, Justin Bieber, Eric Carle and James Cleveland, Jumpstart’s President, lit the iconic Empire State Building in orange. The Very Special Nightlight will shine a light on the critical issue of early literacy. See the photos >
But...he was STILL HUNGRY...
NBC's TODAY Show - Matt, Meredith, and a slew of celebrities joined the campaign to help The Very Hungry Caterpillar inch closer to his goal. Watch the video >
But...he was STILL HUNGRY...
Atlanta - He went to Atlanta and joined 120 preschool children from Finch Elementary, Venetian Hills Elementary, and Premier Academy to listen as VIP readers told the story of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In smaller reading circles, the children read closer and talked about the caterpillars exciting transformation! The event was emceed by David Chandley and featured remarks from supporters, including representatives from Smart Start, the early childhood division of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, and Sodexo who discussed the importance of early literacy and Jumpstart’s Read for the Record.
But...he was STILL HUNGRY...
Boston - In Boston, the hungry caterpillar heard his tale at the Boston Public Library alongside 240 preschool children from Boston Charter Renaissance School, Associated Castle, South End Head Start, Escuelita, and Acorn. All the children listened together as some special guests helped share the story, including Boston's own Mayor Menino! The caterpillar was also joined by some very special friends of Jumpstart, including Sandi Kirshner from Pearson, Sherri Killins of the Department of Early Education and Care, and John Reilly from MFS, who helped make the event even more fun!
But...he was STILL HUNGRY...
Chicago - At Chicago’s Harold Washington Library he read with 200 Jumpstart children, and helped distribute copies of The Very Hungry Caterpillar at public events at each of Chicago’s 79 branches throughout the city. Thanks to Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Chicago Tribune Foundation, 30,000 public school children in Chicago received their very own copy of the book!
But...he was STILL HUNGRY...
Los Angeles - In Los Angeles he joined 100 children from Westside and Trinity Unlimited Children’s Centers, along with Lo Bosworth of MTV’s The Hills, Actor Henry Winkler, Emily Osment of Hannah Montana, and Bill Nye the Science Guy to hear about his long journey into a butterfly! This event, along with over 100 others in the Los Angeles area made for a record shattering day! See the photos >
But...he was STILL HUNGRY...
New York City - In New York, the caterpillar helped kick off Jumpstart’s Read for the Record on NBC’s TODAY Show with some familiar faces joining in the fun, including Eric Carle, Mary-Louise Parker, and Jumpstart’s President James Cleveland. After the TODAY Show, the caterpillar travelled all over the city with volunteers reading to thousands of children including events at The New York Public Library branches in Manhattan and Brooklyn. All of Jumpstart’s partners - including Chase, New York's Regional Campaign Sponsor - were out in full force as the streets were lined with 200 corporate volunteers and Jumpstart Corps members in support of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record! See the photos >
But...he was STILL HUNGRY...
Pittsburgh - The caterpillar stopped in to American Eagle's corporate offices to see children from Pittsburgh's Jumpstart programs. Record-setting readings were given by AE executives Joan Hilson and Steve Lyman, as well as Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Darnell Stapleton. Representatives from Senator Casey's office joined the event as well. AE's employees hosted the children for interactive learning activities!
But...he was STILL HUNGRY...
San Fransisco - So he stopped off in San Francisco to read with 200 children from Grace CDC, Southeast Headstart, Frandelja Enrichment Center, and Bret Harte CDC, who were joined by State Senator Mark Leno, School Superindendent Carlos Garcia, and others! With over 100 events in the Bay Area, Jumpstart was able to provide 6500 copies of the official campaign book to children from a low-income families in the city of San Francisco.
But...he was STILL HUNGRY...
Washington, D.C. - The caterpillar made one last stop on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. along with 40 preschool children to hear the welcome address followed by Congressional VIP readings of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Joining in the fun with them were Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Rep. Betsy Markey (D CO-4), and Rep. Jim McDermott (D WA-7), along with many other elected officials.
Finally...
The caterpillar wasn’t hungry anymore! After all this excitement and record breaking reading events, he was a big, fat caterpillar. After a long nap in his cocoon… he emerged as a beautiful butterfly, and had helped raise much needed funds to support Jumpstart children across the nation while proudly breaking the record with over TWO MILLION children reading with him on this special day!
And this year…
The forecast points to snow! In The Snowy Day, a little boy named Peter will experience the magic of the first snowfall. Read with us on October 7 and join us in taking a stand for quality early education for children everywhere while sharing the love of reading with a child in your life!
