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Thank you for another great Read-A-Palooza!

It’s been a little over a week since Read-A-Palooza 2019: Join Team Read, and we just wanted to take another opportunity to publicly thank those who made it all possible! This year’s event was our most successful yet and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to bring community members together in support of Read Aloud West Virginia.

Read-A-Palooza is the only fundraising event we host each year and is vital to Read Aloud’s financial sustainability. With the support of our sponsors, donors, and supporters, we were able to meet our Read-A-Palooza fundraising goal this year and ensure that Read Aloud can continue to keep books in the hands and on the minds of West Virginia children!

This year’s event focused on creating excitement for books and reading the same way our society does for sports. In his remarks, our special guest WVU Football Coach Neal Brown beautifully connected the importance of a strong reading foundation to athletic success. With at least three media outlets in attendance and multiple stories written about the event, we’re positive that excitement was generated. We’ve made new friendships, strengthened old ones, inspired new volunteers, and heard multiple times since the event that this was our best Read-A-Palooza to date.

A special thank you to Coach Neal Brown, Coleman Barnes, and West Virginia University; to Tony Caridi, children’s book author and MetroNews sports reporter; to The University of Charleston, UC President Marty Roth, Robert Elmore of the UC Vice President’s office, and Ray Singleton of the UC Department of Education; to David Hager Photography; and to all of sponsors and silent auction donors listed below!

Signature Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

William Maxwell Davis

The Becker Family

Bronze Sponsors

Chris & Amy Panzarella

Friends of Read-A-Palooza

Juli Hatcher Mock – JH Records

Silent Auction Donors

Andrew Adkins

Base Camp Printing

Berry Hills Country Club

Bob & Tina Pepper

Bricks & Barrels

Budget Tapes & Records

Canaan Valley Resort

Capon Springs & Farms

Carnegie Hall

Cathedral Café/Southside Junction Tap House

Chef Paul Smith

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Embassy Suites

Erica Baumgrass

Fayette County Chamber of Commerce/Official Bridge Day

Read Aloud WV of Fayette County

Gallery B Studio

Gat Creek

Greenbrier Valley Theatre

Hawks Nest State Park

Jacke Venus

Jeff Fetty Designs

Kinship Goods

LaFayette Flats Lodging

Lucia Bishop

Mardi Gras Casino

Marshall University

Melissa Doty

Mountain Art Glass

Mountain Heritage Books

Noah’s Restaurant & Lounge

Pettit Jewelry

Pies & Pints-Fayetteville

River Expeditions Rafting & Kayaking

Ruth Ranson

Sara Busse

Secret Sandwich Society

Stephen & Jennie Fitzkee

The Blennerhassett Hotel

The Stache Ice Cream Shoppe

The Station Restaurant

Tony Caridi

Viki Heagy Books

West Virginia Book Company

Wisteria Gifts

Wisteria Gifts

WV Power

Yoga Power

Sponsor Logo poster for website

Read-A-Palooza fundraiser most successful to date

Generous sponsors and donors joined forces with a dedicated committee of volunteers to make Read-A-Palooza 2016 an absolute success. The sixth annual event, held March 7th at Paterno’s at the Park, drew a larger crowd and raised more funds than any prior year.

According to Lynn Kessler, Communications and Development Director for Read Aloud, the organization was especially pleased with the outcome at a time when many non-profits have struggled to maintain previous levels of support for their fundraising efforts.

“This event always leaves us invigorated by the steadfast support of old friends as well as the excitement of making new ones,” said Kessler. “That held true this year in every way. We had amazing support from sponsors and donors, an enthusiastic committee and a wonderful crowd of guests!”

The happy hour-style event featured appetizers, drinks and conversation in a casual atmosphere. Guests bid on silent auction items including handmade jewelry, various West Virginia travel packages, art, meals and more.

Read-A-Palooza 2016 was presented by Platinum Sponsors Moses Auto Group, BrickStreet Foundation, The Elliot Family Foundation and Johnstone and Gabhart, LLP.

 

Photo (above right): Read-A-Palooza committee members Betsy Sokolosky, Johanna Miesner and Allison Boyd visit with guest and Read Aloud supporter Emma Busse.

Sponsor Logo poster for websiteSponsor Logo poster for website2