Operation : Literacy to Host Fundraiser

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Scott Sutton, FGCU Intern

612.432.3364

Operation: Literacy to Host Fundraiser

Inaugural events to raise student awareness for K is for Kids' mission

Students at Florida Gulf Coast University are teaming up with K is for Kids Foundation to promote reading with Operation: Literacy. Their efforts will culminate with two fundraisers at the Estero Tropical Smoothie. A portion of sales will be donated to the non-profit organization.

The fundraisers will be held on Sunday April 15th and Saturday April 21st, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The events will feature face painting by local high school students and balloon art by Walt Timoney. Tropical Smoothie will donate 10% of each days proceeds to K is for Kids Foundation, a Naples- based non-profit which collects new and gently used books to donate to local children through schools, after-school programs and other non-profit organizations. The organization also offers youth leadership opportunities for high school students and internships for college students. During K is for Kids most recent "fun'raising season," the organization distributed books that will benefit more than 13,000 young people at 19 different schools and non-profit organizations.

FGCU senior, Scott Sutton, an intern for K is for Kids Foundation, is spearheading the campus effort with fellow seniors Amanda Holden and Stephanie Cristal.

"Until I began my internship with K is for Kids, I didn't realize how many kids don't have books in their homes," said Sutton. "I knew we could do something to make other students aware of this issue, and that's how Operation: Literacy began."

"Our goal is to engage children early and often so that they become excited about reading and the power of words," added Karen Clawson, K is for Kids founder and executive director. "Students at FGCU wouldn't be where they are without the ability to read. We're grateful to have a group of college students who want to not only raise awareness of the issue among their peers, but also want to give back to the young people in their community."

FGCU Intern Scott Sutton Operation : Literacy Campus

In addition to the fundraisers, FGCU student volunteers will distribute Operation: Literacy business cards aton campus and off campus locations throughout April and wear Operation: Literacy t-shirts to raise awareness. Between April 10 - 24, Operation: Literacy student volunteers will be on FGCU stationed in the Student Union the first week and then in the FGCU Library to spread information on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am-4pm.

"These events will help K is for Kids provide books to children in need and introduce FGCU students to an important issue," stated Sutton. "I'm certain students will respond positively."

For further information, please contact Scott Sutton by email shsutton89@gmail.com, or by telephone (612) 432-3364.