Press Release - "Read for the Record" Campaign
OFFICE OF FIRST LADY JEANNIE RITTER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 02, 2008
CONTACTS:
Wil Alston, 303-917-8059, wil.alston@state.co.us
FIRST LADY RITTER TAKES PART IN JUMPSTART'S "READ FOR THE RECORD" CAMPAIGN
First Lady Jeannie Ritter took part today in a national effort to break the record for the largest shared reading experience in a single day.
"It is thrilling to see these kids get excited about reading at such an early age," said Mrs. Ritter. "That kind of interest will play such a critical role in their learning as they grow older."
Sponsored by the Grand Hyatt Denver, the event had Mrs. Ritter reading to a group of five year-old children from the Volunteers of America's (VOA) Head Start Program. The purpose of Jumpstart's Read for the Record Campaign is to set a new record for a single shared reading experience. Ultimately, the endeavor promotes literacy and reminds all of us that the commitment to reading must begin at an early age.
Jumpstart and Hyatt Hotels across the country asked Americans to read the official campaign book, "Corduroy," to children today to break the record for the largest shared reading experience in a single day. After today's reading in Denver, the children enjoyed lunch, took part in a coloring project, and interacted with Grand Hyatt Denver's mascot, Shep the Sheepdog. Each child was given a book to keep courtesy of the Grand Hyatt.
The event took place in the renowned 38th floor Pinnacle Club at the Grand Hyatt, which offers sweeping views of the entire Rocky Mountain Front Range.