UNITED WAY OF ESSEX AND WEST HUDSON
KICKS OFF IT'S 16TH YEAR OF CELEBRITY READ

Newark, NJ - The United Way of Essex and West Hudson's popular Celebrity Read program officially begins its 16th season on Tuesday, February 7th and will continue through Wednesday, March 10th. The first group of volunteer "celebrity" readers will read to students at Louise A. Spencer School in Newark on February 7th.

A kick-off breakfast will be held on Tuesday, January 17th at The Newark Club. Celebrity Read co-chairs Larry Hazzard, Sr., Anibal Ramos and students from our Celebrity Read schools will be the speakers. Individuals who would like to participate as Readers are encouraged to attend and hear first-hand the difference Celebrity Read has made in the lives of our children. This year's Celebrity Read Program is being sponsored by City National Bank.

Celebrity Read was originally created to celebrate the rich and diverse history of African Americans and their role in shaping our national identity, and was expanded by popular demand to include a component focusing on the contributions of individuals of Latino heritage. Volunteers spend a morning during February or March reading to school children about the accomplishments of people of color, then talking about their own life and career.

In 2001 Celebrity Read was designated a "Local Legacy" by the Library of Congress in recognition of the program's unique service to the community. You can read more about this honor by going to the Library of Congress web site.

Past Celebrity Readers have come from all walks of life, from the business community, professional firms and government employees to musicians, athletes and actors. The term "celebrity" refers to any individual who will volunteer his or her time to share their life, accomplishments, obstacles and observations with our youth to help shape their future. These are the true "celebrities" in our communities!

For additional information about Celebrity Read, to register for the January 17th Breakfast or to volunteer as a Reader, please contact Quinnetta Anderson at 973-624-8300 ext. 247.

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