Temple University Athletics
Fran Dunphy To Speed Read For Worthy Cause
10.11.12 | Men's Basketball
Owls coach to take part in First Book-Philadelphia's 2nd Annual Speed Reading Celebration
PHILADELPHIA — Temple University men's basketball coach Fran Dunphy will try his hand at speed reading as part of First Book-Philadelphia's second annual Speed Read celebration on Thursday, October 11, 2012, at the Union League in Philadelphia. During the event, local celebrities will be charged to read Dr. Seuss books tongue-trippingly fast to raise literacy awareness and funds for First Book-Philadelphia. First Book-Philadelphia is a non-profit organization that raises money to buy children in need their “first book,” helping those who have never owned a book embark on a lifelong journey of literacy.
MC'd by WMGK-FM mid-day host, Debbi Calton and hosted by Pennsylvania State Treasurer Rob McCord, readers include:
• Lu Ann Cahn, Reporter, NBC 10
• Anne Ewers, CEO, The Kimmel Center
• Fran Dunphy, Coach, Temple Men's Basketball
• Kristen Graham, Inquirer Education Reporter and Pulitzer prize winner
• Timothy Jimenez, Reporter, KYW News Radio
• David Morse, Actor
• Kathy O'Connell, Host, WXPN Kids Corner
• Alice Ozma, Author, “The Reading Promise”
• Jane Pepper, Director, PNC; Former President, PA Horticultural Society
• Alicia Vitarelli, Anchor, 6 ABC
“In the country's lowest income neighborhoods, there's only one book for every 300 children. In Philadelphia alone, that means nearly 118,000 kids have never owned their own book,” said Carolyn Ashburn, Chair of First Book-Philadelphia's Advisory Board. “We're here to make sure that number continues to drop. In 2011, as a result of our Speed Read event, we were able to increase our donations to deserving Philadelphia schools and programs by nearly 20 percent compared to 2010, and we look forward to donating even more this year.
Literacy is a key factor in breaking the cycle of violence—some states calculate the number of prison cells they will need in 10 years based on illiteracy rates of their third and fourth graders. In 2011, First Book Philadelphia donated more than 28,000 books to 6,500 children in the Philadelphia area. Recipients range from pre-schools up to high school programs, such as the Delaware Valley Juvenile Detention Center and Stonehurst Elementary School.
The Speed Reading event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 11th at the Union League. The competition is open to the public and tickets for the event can be purchased at the door.
To learn more, visit www.firstbookphilly.org
