Hampton Roads Chapter

READING RALLY 2007

The 2007 Reading Rally was a huge success! The day began, for the volunteers, at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2007. We were all hyped up and ready to go! Candy the Clown was in her full gear and ready to spread some cheer to all of her unsuspecting targets (the kids). We gathered together to unload all of the equipment we needed for the day. Once everything was unloaded, we commenced to get everything organized as we awaited the arrival of all of our little participants.

The registration started at 9:00 a.m. and we were really getting excited as they started trickling in. We could see the excitement on their faces as they wondered what to expect. As they registered, they were given their own t-shirt and name badge, which identified what team they would be a part of for the activities. Their team leader had matching name badges so she could identify her group. They were all ushered into the library after they registered to await the arrival of a very special guest who was coming to read to them. They were amazed when they saw him, “LaSalle Blanks”, a local television personality with WVEC, Channel 13 news. He was awesome and has been a part of our Reading Rally Day for three years, so he was familiar with what we do and what he had to do. He kept the kids’ interest as he read the Whales book (each kid received their very own autographed copy by LaSalle) to them and believe it or not, they were really paying attention and answering questions. He made reading an enjoyable experience for them.

After LaSalle finished reading the book, it was now time for the team leaders to gather their group for the activity segment. This year’s activity was centered on the theme “Whales” and creatures of the sea. Each kid was able to decorate their very own foam door hanger with creatures from the sea. They were very creative and enjoyed this tremendously, even the boys! When this task was complete, they were able to go to the book fair and pick out books to take home. These gently used books were donated by Habitat for Humanity and each kid took home at least 8 books. When they finished the book fair, it was game time! There were 4 different games with lots of prizes. They were having so much fun that they didn’t want to stop for lunch.

As they were enjoying their lunch, they were given a raffle ticket for a prize. Every kid received a prize when his or her number was selected. At the end, everyone was a winner.

The Hampton Roads Chapter of Executive Women International? would like to thank Point O’ View Elementary School for giving us the opportunity to work with their school. We were able to accommodate 47 kids and provide them learning experiences that will help them in their struggle to combat illiteracy.

Many thanks, also, to the volunteers and donations received for this event.

Jacqueline Jones
Director-at-Large - Reading Rally