November RIF NOVA News! It's a Wrap! The Giving Thanks Edition!

RIF RAP -- November 2025

Thank you! Thank you!

Such a wonderful day and such a wonderful way to put books into the hands of Northern Virginia children! Book It For Books 2025, RIF NOVA's biannual fun- and fundraiser, was a grand success -- thanks to sponsors, donors, volunteers, runners, walkers, and supporters of all kinds! When children in our RIF NOVA-supported schools and sites are able to pick a book of their very own, it's because of YOU -- our RIF NOVA community. The joy of the day is shown clearly in the photos below, with more on our website; click here. Our sponsor list is here.

Emcee for the day -- NBC4's Ted Oberg -- got the day started with calisthenics with Clifford ... jumping to the beats provided by the Vienna School of Rock. And then they were off...for a 10K, 5K, or a One-Mile run/walk.

Plus face-painting, books for kids (of course!), yummy treats, and high-fives, thumbs up, and a lot of pride and joy when crossing the finish line and showing off the specially designed Book It for Books medal!

But wait! There's more to be thankful for!!!

RIF NOVA was one of seven area nonprofits to be awarded a 2025 Cox Charities Community Grant in recognition of our work to bring free books to Northern Virginia children! We are so grateful to Cox Charities and Cox employees for this generous support of children and reading. Click here for additional information!

RIF NOVA was accepted by the Arlington Community Foundation for its 2025 Wish List. As in 2024, our wish is to help fund authors to visit RIF NOVA-supported schools. Via the RIF NOVA Authors in Our Schools program, authors reinforce messages about reading and storytelling. Each participating child gets an autographed book, too! If you'd like to help (please!), click here!

Taste of the South is a nonprofit that celebrates southern states -- including Virginia -- with an annual gala dinner and dancing. Each year, TOTS picks a theme and a state charity for its fundraising. The 2025 theme was "Children's Literacy." And the nonprofit for Virginia? Yes! RIF NOVA! Thank you, TOTS! Click here for details.