Get Schooled Tickets on Sale March 18: Meet Orion Jean, Time Magazine Kid of the Year

Our annual fundraiser, Get Schooled: Building Dreams takes place Friday, June 9, at Union Station Kansas City. This year, we'll be joined by special guest Orion Jean, Time Magazine Kid of the Year. 

"I want to be able to share my love of literacy with as many people as possible," he told CBS News.

Lead to Read KC could not be more excited about Jean sharing his message with our community as our keynote speaker during Get Schooled: Building Dreams.

Tickets go on sale March 18 and cost $150 per person. Want to sit with family and friends? Host a table of 10 for $1,500.

Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? How about your support for Lead to Read KC? Well, now’s your chance! Order a t-shirt to help spread the word and support our mission to advance children’s literacy in Kansas City! 

Wherever kids may be waiting, they could be reading! That’s why Lead to Read KC has more than 45 Reading is Everywhere^SM book distribution sites across the Kansas City area. This month we look at Equal Minded Cafe.

Equal Minded Cafe and Event Center is located at 4327 Troost Avenue. Owner Dontavious Young sees the value in promoting reading and reached out to Lead to Read to co-celebrate National Read a Book Day last September. A recent recipient of a GIFT grant (Generating Income for Tomorrow), Equal Minded now serves breakfast and lunch, along with a wide selection of coffee and chai. 

We are grateful for Equal Minded Cafe and all of our Reading is Everywhere^SM partners, helping us build a stronger community of readers.

As Black History Month winds down, learn more about Black authors creating a reflection of the Black experience for young readers.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU | Thanks to your recruiting efforts, we were able to open three new classrooms in January and February – plus two more will be open in the next few weeks! It’s a joy to see new children in our reading program, and we’re grateful for your support of our Mentor Get a Mentor campaign.

SECOND SATURDAY SORTING | Are you or someone you know looking for a fun, easy weekend volunteer opportunity? Help Lead to Read KC sort and process book donations at our office in the Nonprofit Village the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to noon. Sign-up here!

ENJOY A PINT | Remember, two dollars of every pint of Local Motive beer sold at Casual Animal Brewing Co. goes directly to Lead to Read KC through the end of this month. Many thanks to everyone who joined us at our Love Lit Happy Hour and to those joining us tonight at our Lit Lovers Trivia Night!

YOU SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY | Do you have a birthday coming up? Learn how to celebrate with Lead to Read KC and get a sweet treat for yourself!

IMPORTANT REMINDER | In the case of a cancellation (due to weather or any reason), Reading Mentors will be notified via email. Notification is typically in the morning. If you’re unsure about the status of a session, reach out to your Site Coordinator. You also can check your school’s website for weather-related school closing info.