South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
HEROES & HELPERS
More stories of the good work being done in South Florida amid the pandemic.
The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, a Boynton Beach-based nonprofit organization, is putting on the 11th annual LOOP for Literacy from Feb. 19 to 28 with proceeds supporting efforts to help children and adults receive the reading skills needed to be successful.
The fundraiser is taking place virtually for the first time as participants will have the opportunity to walk, run or bike at the time and place of their choice to support literacy programs during the final week of the month.
The LOOP for Literacy allows individuals to sign up or as an organized team in a group. The participants will receive a race tech shirt and finisher medal while children who register will also receive a book.
The runners, walkers and cyclists can dedicate the event in a particular distance of their choice to individuals who taught them to read, a notable teacher or individuals who enjoy the pleasure of reading for literacy.
The options include the roadside bike ride ($50), adult 5K run or walk ($35), student 18 and under 5K run or walk ($15), kids 12 and under 1-mile fun run ($10) and kids 7 and under 100-yard dash ($10).
The fundraiser is led by a group of committee members as well as Literacy Coalition board members Joe Grant, of Boca Raton, and Andy Loewenstein, of Palm Beach Gardens, who are both the event chairmen.
“We are thrilled to still be able to host LOOP for Literacy virtually this year,” said Kristin Calder, CEO of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. “It’s an easy and active way for the community to support vital literacy programs helping so many adults, children and families in need.”
The event will include a silent auction for the first time this year at e.givesmart. com/events/jWa/. The fundraiser, which is presented by Florida Crystals, also has additional sponsorship opportunities and information at literacypbc.org/event/ loop-for-literacy/.
The participant packets are available on weekdays at the Blume Literacy Center, 3651 Quantum Blvd., in Boynton Beach beginning on Feb. 5.
The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County has worked with a network of community partners to provide services to over 29,000 adults and to promote the goal for all adults and children to improve and achieve their literacy skills and needs in order to be able to read.
The organization is also a recipient of the 4-star Charity Navigator rating for 12 consecutive years. Only 1% of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have accomplished the designation.
“The Literacy Coalition is proud to again receive this high honor for a dozen years now in recognition of our steadfast effort, our efficient management and our profound commitment to our mission and the community,” Calder said.