Kari KurjiakaOctober 08, 2024
A BOOK FOR EVERY CHILD: 25 YEARS & COUNTING!
October 9, 2024, at City Winery, NYC
New York, NY — Reach Out and Read of Greater New York (ROR GNY) will proudly celebrate its 25th anniversary with a star-studded gala, A BOOK FOR EVERY CHILD: 25 YEARS & COUNTING, at City Winery, NYC on October 9, 2024. The event will commemorate the organization’s ongoing mission of integrating early childhood literacy into pediatric care to help millions of children across the region access the tools for success through books and family-centered care. The evening will feature a special tribute to Eva Mendes, honored with the 25th Anniversary Children’s Literacy Award for her contributions to children’s literature and dedication to fostering a love of reading in young children.
“Eva’s new bilingual children’s book, Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries, highlights a crucial aspect of childhood development: emotional well-being and mindfulness. By showing children that they are the ‘boss of their thoughts,’ Mendes empowers them with the tools to tackle life’s challenges from an early age,” said Emily Marchese, Executive Director of Reach Out and Read of Greater New York. “Her dedication to bilingual storytelling reflects our shared commitment to reaching all children and families, regardless of background.”
Marchese will speak at the milestone 25th anniversary event, stating, “We celebrate not only our past achievements but also the children, families, and communities we continue to serve. Every book these physicians provide to a child is an opportunity to shape their future, and this work would not be possible without the incredible support of our partners, pediatricians, and donors who believe in the power of literacy.”
The gala will bring together supporters, partners, and advocates for an unforgettable evening will feature a thrilling live auction, a moving awards ceremony, and heartfelt reflections on the accomplishments of ROR GNY. Over the past 25 years, the organization distributed millions of books to over 7 million children from underserved communities across Greater New York, providing the gift of reading to families in need and fostering a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Josh Green, Board Chair of Reach Out and Read of Greater New York, is set to remark. “As we look to the future, we are committed to expanding our reach and ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to books and the opportunity to develop a love of reading.”
The event comes on the heels of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) new recommendations, “Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice” (2024). These recommendations underscore how programs like Reach Out and Read have a profound impact on early language development, parent-child bonding, and school readiness, particularly in low-income households. The publication highlights how pediatric care providers are in a unique position to support literacy and Reach Out and Read has been a leader in operationalizing this through its partnerships with healthcare providers.
“On its 25th anniversary, we’re thrilled to commemorate Reach Out and Read Greater New York. In partnership with clinicians, they have provided guidance, resources, and, we hope, a better start to life for millions of children,” said Marty Martinez, CEO of Reach Out and Read National. “The AAP’s new recommendation further validates our work to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of books and shared reading. Reach Out and Read of Greater New York has helped lead this movement empowering families to make reading a key part of their child’s development.”
Notable sponsors and table buyers include Macmillan Publishers, Barefoot Books, Huron Consulting Group, Deloitte & Touche, Proskauer Rose LLP, NYC Health + Hospitals, Novata, New York-Presbyterian, All About Books, Dan & Regina Olasin, Jack Pace, Jiyang Zhang, Josh & Lindsey Green, Keith Green, Susan Elbe, NYC Health + Hospitals / Elmhurst, Mount Sinai, Montefiore Bronx Health Collective, The Floating Hospital, Books 4 School, Deer Path Capital, Northwell Health, and Stony Brook Childrens Hospital. The funds raised at the gala will help ensure that Reach Out and Read can continue its vital work, reaching even more children and families in the years to come.
25th Anniversary Honorees:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Judith Levine
Honored for her lifetime dedication to early literacy advocacy and her transformative leadership that helped shape Reach Out and Read of Greater New York’s mission and growth. Ms. Levine’s remarkable career as a social worker, combined with her deep commitment to education and healthcare, has shaped not only Reach Out & Read of Greater New York but also countless other organizations, including the Reading Reform Foundation. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing our mission—ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the life-changing power of books. Ms. Levine has championed literacy from the very beginning, and her thoughtful guidance and service continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across New York.
Health Equity Advocate Award: Mary McCord, MD, MPH – NYCH+H Gotham Health/Sydenham
Recognized for her work addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and promoting equitable healthcare access, ensuring that more children and families can benefit from ROR GNY’s services.
Advocate for Diverse Books Award: The Floating Hospital/Queens Bridge
Acknowledged for championing diversity in children’s literature and ensuring representation for children from all backgrounds.
The Jack Pace Living, Breathing ROR GNY Award: Amy Woolever, MD – NYC Health+Hospitals/Elmhurst
Honored for her unwavering commitment to bringing Reach Out and Read’s mission to life, inspiring countless families through her care.
Trusted Messenger Award: Jennifer Chase, MD, FAAP – Mount Sinai School-Based Health
Celebrated for being a trusted voice and advocate for early literacy and her community, helping children and parents make reading a central part of their lives.
Whole Family Advocate Award: Suzanne Dougan – Brookdale Family Care Center
Honored for her dedication to providing holistic family care and promoting literacy as a key element of overall family wellness.
Whole Family Advocate Award: Montefiore Medical Center Bronx Health Collective
Recognized for their comprehensive support for families and their deep commitment to advancing childhood literacy alongside other family services.
New Champion Coordinator Award: Dr. Krupa Lydia Hart, DBA, MBA– Urban Health Plan
Celebrated as an emerging leader in early literacy advocacy, playing a critical role in expanding ROR GNY’s reach within her community.
Past Children’s Literacy Award honorees include Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Rosemary Wells, Todd Parr, Robie Harris, Malcolm Jarod Mitchell, and Brian Amador.
For more information on Reach Out and Read of Greater New York and its programs, please visit www.reachoutandreadnyc.org or contact Kari Kurjiaka at kkurjiaka@reachoutandreadnyc.org. Award winner’s bios are available here.
About Reach Out and Read of Greater New York:
Reach Out and Read of Greater New York partners with healthcare providers to promote early childhood literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms by giving books to children and advising parents on the importance of reading aloud. Serving over 250,000 children annually, the program focuses on low-income communities across Greater New York.