Spring in DC is one of my favorite times of year. The blossoms are blooming, it’s perfect outdoor reading weather, and there is a general sense of optimism and anticipation in the air. This year, I am more excited than ever. Why? Because Everybody Wins DC has a full calendar of reading activities to share with students, families, and friends.
Last April was all about shutting down programs, cancelling events, and putting shared reading activities on hold. In this newsletter, you’ll see the exact opposite. We are launching initiatives, creating new connections, and doing more to support children through reading. For example, we launched a StoryTime Series at schools across Capitol Hill, our Associate Board is hosting its 2nd Annual Virtual Yoga fundraiser, and our program footprint continues to grow with more students joining Power Readers and more books being delivered to families.
And the most exciting thing of all is our upcoming Celebration Week! For 5 days in June, we will honor our students, volunteers and friends – all of whom have made this year a true success. I am so grateful to have your support and I am looking forward to sharing it all with you on June 7-11.
Thank you all for helping making this spring such an exciting one for EWDC and our students. I can’t wait to see what the summer and fall have in store!
With gratitude,
Jordi Hutchinson
EWDC Executive Director
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Please join us from June 7-11, 2021, for EWDC's first ever Digital Celebration Week. What’s that? Think of it as a week-long gala, without the gala! Five days of heartwarming videos, impact testimonials, amazing pictures, and more. It will be a chance to honor the resiliency of our students, the dedication of our volunteers, and the strength of our community partnerships.
You can join in on the fun by serving as a Celebration Week sponsor, talking to your employer about participating, or making a personal donation. Money raised during the event will help EWDC bring its unique reading-based programs to even more at-risk children during school year 2021-22 and beyond.
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EWDC would like to thank our early Celebration Week sponsors. Their support means more students will have access to shared reading programs and services this year and beyond. |
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LEARNING LEADER
- Mark Young and Rachel Carren
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
BOOK BENEFACTOR
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Minerva Marketing
- John Fish
Your support will truly make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. For more
information or questions on sponsorship opportunities. Click the button below.
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During the 2020-2021 school year, EWDC programming expanded in response to changing learning environments. We've highlighted these adjustments through feedback from our students, families, schools, and community partners. Shared reading has broad, long-term effects on our students' lives, and we are proud to have not only sustained, but also grown our impact in exciting ways this year! |
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Supporting Local Communities |
Through our Book Project program, EWDC has given away over 4,485 free books to support our community partners, schools and families across the DC metropolitan area during school year 2020-2021.
Take a look at the Book Project in action:
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There, we are introduced to longtime volunteer, Steven and his new mentee, Yusuf who discuss their favorite parts of the program.
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To all of our wine lovers out there, when you make an "in-store" wine purchase from Paul's Wine and Spirits they will donate a portion of the white sticker price to us from now until April 30.
Be sure to mention "Everybody Wins DC" at checkout. Cheers!
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NamaSTAY at home and join EWDC on Saturday, May 8 at 10:30 AM for our 2nd annual yoga fundraiser, "Power Yoga."
"Power Yoga" is a family friendly event, and children, are especially welcome to join! Use code "EarlyBird" at checkout to receive a special discount.
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Think you know it all? Prove it! Have fun testing your trivia knowledge and join Everybody Wins DC for a Celebration Week kick off Trivia Night on June 3, 2021!
The team with the highest score at the end of the night will win a special prize and all the bragging rights. But even better, your participation helps EWDC raise critical funds shared reading programming for summer 2021.
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Do More 24 is a 24-hour giving day, powered by United Way of the National Capital Area. Last year, we raised over $2,000 during the 24-hour campaign. Those funds enabled us to adapt our programs to meet the needs of students and families at home.
This year we have even bigger plans! We have will more details in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, save the date, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
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Sharing Stories Virtually |
Homebound because of “social distancing,” but still looking for ways to give back to your community? Read stories to children virtually by participating in our Shared Reading Library program. Over 60 stories have been shared this year so far and we’re trying to hit 100 before the end of the year!
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Join EWDC's Associate Board |
Are you a volunteer who is passionate about children's literacy and development? Have great ideas to improve our shared reading programs? A fundraising savant? Or just want to be a more active part of our organization?
Sounds like Associate Board is the right role for you. And guess what? We're looking for members to join.
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Last October, Associate Board coordinated an interactive at-home wine tasting with Barrel Oak Winery.
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You can help EWDC bring the power of shared reading to more students, schools, and communities by hosting your own Book Drive.
Hosting a book drive is an easy way to make a real impact in your community and support students in need by giving them something they want – new books for their home libraries.
Anyone can host a book drive!
Book drives can be done through work, book clubs, fraternities, sororities, church groups, etc. EWDC provides all necessary logistical support and supplemental materials you need to get it done.
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Online shopping more than usual these days? Shop through Amazon Smile and a percentage of your purchase will be donated to EWDC. It's simple:
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Go to smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1938281
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Select "Everybody Wins DC" as your charity of choice
- Shop and Amazon will automatically donate a portion of the proceeds to us!
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Follow EWDC on Social Media |
EWDC is on social media! In fact, we are on all platforms. Keep in touch with our daily updates by clicking the social media icons below.
Don't be afraid to mention us either, we would love to know about the new books you are reading or hear about your reading sessions.
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