Ithaca Boy Holds Read-A-Thon Fundraiser for Reader To Reader

Amherst, MA (May 27, 2004) – In a remarkable display of inspiration, self-determination and follow-through, an Ithaca, New York boy has scored big with his Read-A-Thon fundraiser for the Reader To Reader book program.

Twelve-year-old Dylan Bleier first got the idea for the fundraiser after reading a recent New York Times article about a thread-bare school library in his home state. The school’s antiquated library had books dating mostly from the 1950s and 1960s, with some books dating back to the 1930s. When Dylan learned that the school had already received a large number of donations on account of the article, he turned to the Internet and selected the Reader To Reader program as his way to help numerous poor schools across the country.

Reader To Reader, Inc., winner of the 2004 Pioneer Valley Literacy Award, is an Amherst, Massachusetts based public charity that brings books free of charge to under-resourced school libraries across the United States. Founded in 2002, Reader To Reader serves over 100 schools across the country by recycling used books that are in gently used condition so that they can find new homes in school libraries.

Dylan raised $1,355 for Reader To Reader from both an information table he set-up at a local Book Fest and from pledges he received for his Read-A-Thon. Along the way he enlisted three fifth grade classes in the cause, as well as, his sister and four neighborhood kids. He also got his local Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Borders Bookstore to donate gift certificates and books, which he used as prizes for the kids that participated in the Read-A-Thon.

“We are absolutely astounded at the success of Dylan’s fundraiser,” notes Reader To Reader’s executive director David Mazor. “Not only did he raise a lot of money that we will gratefully use to cover the shipping costs of thousands of books to needy schools, but the way he did it really knocked us out. Dylan used meticulous planning and lots of effort to bring lots of results. He is a tremendous role model for all of us as to the kind of impact we can have when we put out minds to it. He has kindly offered us the fine materials he developed as a blueprint for other kids interested in holding Reader To Reader Read-A-Thons. We can’t thank him enough for all he’s done.”

Next up for Dylan is an ice cream party he is planning to hold to thank his Read-A-Thon participants. We hope he has an extra scoop or two for himself because he deserves it.