From the event organizer:

The Rotary Club of Laramie and the faculty and staff at Linford, Spring Creek, Beitel, Indian Paintbrush, Slade, Snowy Range Academy, Montessori, and the UW Lab School are dedicated to giving the Laramie elementary students experiences and opportunities to help them strengthen their academic abilities. We also want to help them grow in compassion, empathy and awareness of global issues and challenges while empowering them to know that each person can help others with their talents, time, and energy.

This year we are combining forces and participating in Heifer International’s Read to Feed® program as a way for our students to learn about global hunger and poverty and their connections to our neighbors around the world. Read to Feed is a readathon where students raise funds to purchase gifts of livestock and training, which gives struggling families the resources needed to improve their daily lives — in countries around the world and here in the United States.

But we need your help. Our school community has set a goal to raise $2500. We are asking local businesses to help! We suggest a donation of 10 cents per book read by our students (with a maximum donation you determine). Or you can offer a challenge to our students! For example, you’ll provide funds to purchase a goat ($120) if our class reads 250 books or 1,200 minutes. This year we have 35 classes participating!

Your donation will benefit our students, too! Your support encourages the students to read as much as they can, strengthening critical literacy skills as they sharpen their knowledge in geography, economics, and current events!

Our local schools frequently rely on the generosity of community supporters just like you. If you decide to donate, not only will The Rotary Club of Laramie name you as a business sponsor in our social media, but each school will do so as well in their social media and school newsletter.

Please contact Rotary Laramie Director David Hansen at (307)399-3365 if you have any questions or would like to arrange sponsorship with one or all our schools.