Chiefs Partner with PNC on Reading Program Pups
Published on April 8, 2014 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs News Release
Peoria, IL- The Peoria Chiefs and corporate partner PNC are pleased to announce that Homer's Reading Program presented by PNC will be expanding to include nearly 2,800 preschool students as part of a newly established partnership.
As an extension of the current reading program, the Chiefs and PNC have joined with The Heart of Illinois United Way Success By 6 program to reach Pre-K students throughout Peoria. The program allows the students to join Homer, the Peoria Chiefs mascot, on a rewarding reading adventure.
"PNC Bank is excited to present an engaging program with the Peoria Chiefs and The Heart of Illinois United Way Success By 6 to encourage the love of reading and family togetherness," said Doug Stewart, PNC Bank's regional president for Central Illinois.
The program, Homer's Reading Program Pups presented by PNC will provide pre-k students the chance to "round the bases" for each book they read and be rewarded with complimentary tickets to a special Peoria Chiefs game on Sunday, August 10 when they hit a "home run" by completing their fourth book.
A total of 2,800 books will be provided each month by The Heart of Illinois Success By 6 to area preschool students as part of the program. Students who complete the program and attend the August 10 PNC Pre-K Day at the Park will enjoy a pre-game concert, an appearance by Fredbird the St. Louis Cardinals mascot, pre-game recognition on the Dozer Park HD Video Board and more.
"The Peoria Chiefs are excited to partner with PNC Bank and the Heart of Illinois Success By 6 program on this initiative," said Chiefs General Manager Brendan Kelly. "This represents a great opportunity for our organization to have a positive influence in a child's life at a critical age for developing reading skills. Our mascot, Homer, is excited to show how reading is fun and very rewarding. We look forward to celebrating many reading "Home Runs" with program participants and their families."
Homer's Reading Program Pups presented by PNC will include 12 educational partners from Peoria and Peoria County, including Bright Futures of Peoria County, Crittenton Center, Creve Coeur, District 150, Neighborhood House, PCCEO Head Start, Preschool for All, Rogy's Learning Place, Salvation Army Day Care Center, Tazewell, Woodford Head Start, and Tina's Tiny Tots.
For more information on Homer's Reading Program and Homer's Reading Program Pups presented by PNC, contact Lauren Kenny, Director of Homer's Reading Program Pups with the Chiefs, at 309-680-4013.
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