Sustainability Funding- FY 09
Due to a decrease in Federal Funding, National ROR will be changing site book budget sustainability awards. When sites submit their next 6 month progress report (Sept. 08) there will no longer be a choice as to how funding is awarded. Instead, National ROR has decided to provide sites with books, rather than cash, using a bulk buying system through Scholastic with both Spanish and English books (20-25 pre-selected titles). With this change, National ROR will to be able to provide approximately 25% of each site's book needs. They are currently working on selecting appropriate books and developing a sound plan for their distribution, and will provide more details as they become available.

Start-Up Process- FY 09
In FY09, new sites will not be supported with start-up awards funded by federal dollars. ROR National Center will continue to review completed applications, and approve and activate new sites which have at least 50% of their Annual Book Commitment. ROR National Center and Coalitions/Collaboratives will work together to determine which Sites in which Coalitions should be approved, based on available resources. The good news is that RORSD will continue providing each site in San Diego and Imperial Counties with at least 25% of their Annual Book Commitment.

The second quarter Reading is Fundamental books were sent out in June. In order to provide variety and take advantage of the best offers books were ordered from Scholastic, Star Bright Books, Books 4 School and Children's Plus Inc. Not all sites received books from each of these sources.

Bethi Luu, RORSD's student intern, sent out an email listing the quantities for each site. As always we welcome any feedback and suggestions on books.

Congressman Filner shares his love for reading with a visit to Clinicas de Salud, BRAWLEY, CA. On July 1st Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo, Inc,. hosted Congressman Bob Filner during a visit for the Reach Out and Read Program.

"As a former educator, I understand the importance of sharing a love for reading with children at a young age," said Congressman Filner. "The joy of reading opens up an abundance of knowledge, learning and self-fulfillment throughout life. I want to make sure that every parent has access to books to help their child learn and develop a love for reading", continued Filner.

Clinicas de Salud understands the link between literacy and health. "This project is an opportunity for Clinicas to have an impact on the health of generations to come," stated Yvonne Bell, CEO of Clinicas de Salud. "We are pleased for this wonderful partnership with Reach Out and Read and Congressman Filner". Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo is a private, non-profit corporation which provides direct and comprehensive health services to Imperial and southeast Riverside County's rural, migrant, uninsured, and low income populations.

The Camarena Memorial Library supported the event with give aways for children, literacy resources, and library card applications. The Camarena Memorial Library is in partnership with Clinicas de Salud to support the Reach Out and Read Program. They help fundraise their book budget through "Friends of the Library".

The Brooke Foundation donated over 600 books to several ROR clinics in San Diego. Sites were chosen based on donor specifications. Michael Synder, Director and President of the Brooke Foundation, has worked closely with RORSD to determine the needs of our clinics. She personally selects the titles and sends them out to sites. We are grateful for her commitment to children and the personal touch she gives to Reach Out and Read.

The Brooke Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) public benefit corporation founded in memory of Brooke Shannon Snyder. They strive to carry forward Brooke's deep belief in the importance of education for every child as the basis for self-fulfillment and a productive future while always reflecting Brooke's "joie de vive" in all that they do in her name. The Brooke Foundation is dedicated to providing literacy and educational enrichment opportunities for young children in need.

Dr. Albert Martinez and Dr. Sharon Sternfeld celebrated their Reach Out and Read Open House and Dedication on Saturday June 28th, 2008 with family and friends. Dr. Sternfeld's "Holiday Letter" to family and friends raised enough money to purchase a new bookshelf in both the the well child and sick child waiting areas. One of the bookshelves was dedicated to her late father, a pediatrician. The waiting room reading corners were beautiful and Phyllis Colter, volunteer reader, christened the corner by delighting the children with books and puppets from her reading bag. ROR is off to a great start!

Host a Book Fair at a Business or Your Site
Books 4 Fun is one of many companies that will run a book fair for you! You provide the location and they do the rest! Your site will receive 20% of book fair profits. Contact Tara Milbrand for more information.