FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 8, 2012 

 Chicago Bears Help Bernie's Book Bank Achieve Goals

The Chicago Bears are helping Bernie's Book Bank, a local literacy organization, achieve their goals.  Bernie's Book Bank collects, processes and redistributes quality new and used books to at-risk children in Chicagoland.  On Tuesday, November 13 at Whittier Elementary School in Waukegan, a favorite Chicago Bears player will be on hand to help Bernie's Book Bank celebrate the distribution of 1 MILLION books since 2009!

As an annual sponsor, the Bears' support is allowing Bernie's Book Bank to expand their reach and hit their next benchmark.  "Distributing our 1 MILLIONth book since our beginning three years ago is just the first step." says Executive Director Brian Floriani, "There is so much more work to be done".  Bernie's Book Bank has a set a new goal to distribute 1 MILLION books annually, beginning in 2013.  "Having the Bears on our team will be pivotal in the achievement of our next goal," says Floriani. 

WHO:       Bernie's Book Bank, a non profit organization, benefiting at-                 risk children in Chicagoland

WHAT:     1 MILLIONth book to be distributed

WHEN:     Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE:   Whittier Elementary School, 901 North Lewis Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085
 

WHY:        Celebrate 1 MILLIONth book benchmark, establish next goals

SPECIAL GUESTS:   Favorite Chicago Bear's player, distinguished corporate sponsors and Bernie's Book Bank Board of Directors.  

OPPORTUNITY:   There will be photo opportunities of favorite Bears player with children receiving books and interviews given. 

ABOUT:        

Bernie's Book Bank serves more than 55,000 at-risk children annually in communities throughout Chicagoland. Each child receives 2 bags of 6 books for a total of 12 books every year until he or she completes 6th grade. The books are free and theirs to keep.

Founded in December 2009, Bernie's Book Bank facilitates the collection, processing and redistribution of quality new and gently used children's books to significantly increase book ownership among at-risk infants, toddlers and school age children.

The books are collected through schools, businesses, publishers, distributors and its growing Book Drop Network. Schools where 50% or more of the children qualify for the free and reduced lunch program are eligible.
 

Bernie's Book Bank is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit headquartered in Lake Forest. For more information about Bernie's Book Bank, visit www.berniesbookbank.org