CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings read up on helping youngsters get a book of their very own

November 19, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.—The Memphis RiverKings are studying up on how to help needy children receive the gift of reading this holiday season when they feature First Book as the non-profit of the night at the ‘Kings game against the Ft. Worth Brahmas at 7:05 p.m. on Nov. 25.

First Book's mission is to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. To help, the RiverKings are asking fans to bring a new book to the game. In return, fans will receive $2 off any regular priced seating.

First Book is also hosting a raffle "Table for Two" in which a $5 donation will buy a ticket to enter a drawing to win dinner at 12 different area restaurants for two people.

Participating restaurants include Outback Steakhouse, Bonne Terre, Cappricio's at Peabody Place, Erling Jensen's, Bronte Bistro, Alcenia's, Magnolia Grill at the Memphis Marriot Downtown, Hollywood Casino Buffet, Timbeaux's on the square, Fire and Stone Italian restaurant, and McAlister's Deli.

The winner will drawn on Dec. 8th at 6 p.m. at Bookhaven Store in Southaven. Raffle participants are welcome to come by and sample food from several area restaurants, browse the selection and find out who won. Money from the raffle will be used to purchase books. However, participants do not need to be present to win.

"It's pretty exciting right now," First Book MidSouth Co-Chair Eileen Saunders said. In addition to our raffle, we are one of 10 beneficiaries chosen by the Community Foundation to benefit from the Christmas Cash for Charities. Any money we raise from the raffle is going to be matched by the Community Foundation. It will also be matched by the national First Book organization.

"So basically, for every dollar a person donates, we will receive $2. I'm thrilled to death. What a wonderful opportunity! That's way more money than we could ever ask for."

First Book not only donates books, but ensures that children receive help with reading skills as well. The organization works through programs like daycares and before and after–school programs and holds them accountable for teaching the kids to read in addition to supplying them with books. Also, Saunders points out, the books go home to the kid's house, encouraging parents to get involved as well.

"Books cost us just $2.50 from major publishers that support us," she said. "We can generally get a lot more books through those avenues than the average person would by buying it in a bookstore."

Any program serving low-income children can apply for a grant to get books through First Book. Those wishing to help through monetary donations can make checks out to Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, specifying First Book in the lower left-hand corner and turned in at their table on the concourse during the game.

For more information on First Book, check out the Web at www.firstbook.org or contact Saunders at 662-404-0816 or e-mail midsouth_tn@firstbook.org.



Central Hockey League Stories from November 19, 2004


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