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(February 3, 2012 -- Phoenix, AZ) - Reach Out and Read Arizona (RORAZ) will hold its Third Annual Books Eggstravaganza Breakfast on March 2 in honor of community leaders who support and promote early childhood literacy. The 2012 Storyteller Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the health and well-being of Arizona children by championing early literacy.
The event continues to grow each year, with a large turnout expected for this year's honorees. The following community leaders and organizations will be recognized for their work:
The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust- The Piper Trust is receiving this award for its extraordinary advocacy on behalf of young children in Maricopa County; work toward ensuring all young children start school healthy and ready to succeed; continued promotion and support of evidence-based programs that contribute to positive and long-lasting outcomes for children; and, commitment to advancing the early literacy development of young children so they are prepared for school.
Rhian Evans Allvin- Ms. Evans Allvin has been a guiding force in Arizona's early childhood movement for more than 15 years. In 2006, she co-wrote the citizen's ballot initiative that created First Things First (FTF) and set aside tobacco tax monies for education and health services for kids birth to five years old. She has been the FTF Executive Director since 2009. Prior to this Rhian was a founding partner in the Brecon Group Consulting firm, a Senior Advancement Officer at the Arizona Community Foundation, and took early leadership roles in Libraries for the Future and Children's Action Alliance. Rhian has an intimate knowledge of most Arizona communities, both urban and rural. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University and a Masters in Business Administration from Arizona State University.
Ms. Evans is receiving this award because of her many years of advocacy on behalf of Arizona's youngest and most vulnerable citizens. Her perseverance in ensuring Arizona's children start school healthy and her skillful and visionary leadership as the Chief Executive Officer of First Things First are just two examples of her incredible leadership.
Dr. Michael Cohen-Dr. Cohen is a clinical professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics. He has served as a director of various health care clinics in the Tucson region for more than 30 years and also as a Medicine Officer at the United States Army White Sands Missile Range.
Dr. Cohen is receiving this award because of his distinguished service to the Reach Out and Read Program at national, state, and regional levels. His commitment to ensuring the quality of the Reach Out and Read intervention across Arizona clinics, community centers, and hospitals is illustrated by his countless hours of volunteerism and research expertise to ensure providers adhere to the integrity of its model.
"We are thrilled to be honoring these individuals and organizations," said Sharon Brady, Program Manager for Reach Out and Read Arizona. "Their commitment to early literacy and childhood development is unparalleled."
Part of the national Reach Out and Read program, the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics RORAZ program promotes early literacy by giving new books to children ages six-months to five years of age during their well-child visits. Pediatricians also share important insights with parents on the importance of reading aloud daily with their children
Please contact Rhonda Bannard to schedule media inquiries with honorees.
To learn more about Reach Out and Read Arizona, please visit www.roraz.org.
WHO: Reach Out and Read Arizona, a program of the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
WHAT: 3rd Annual Eggstravaganza Breakfast
WHEN: March 2, 2012, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Phoenix Country Club, 2901 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona
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