September 2026 Newsletter

It Was a Record-Breaking Play for Literacy!

What an incredible day for literacy!

Reading Power’s Sixth Annual Play for Literacy was our most successful event yet, raising more than $676,386.77 gross in support of our mission to help children build the literacy skills they need to thrive.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, sponsors, guests, and community partners, this year’s event reached new heights. The evening’s Paddle Raise alone generated $167,475—a remarkable 53% increase over 2025. This growth reflects the growing commitment of our community to literacy and to the children and families Reading Power serves.

Every gift made through Play for Literacy helps Reading Power strengthen its programs and expand opportunities for young readers. The generosity we witnessed throughout the evening was a powerful reminder of what is possible when our community comes together around a shared belief in the transformative power of literacy.

And we’re already looking ahead!

Please save the date for Reading Power’s Seventh Annual Play for Literacy on Monday, September 13, 2027, at Onwentsia Country Club.

We hope you’ll join us again for another memorable evening celebrating literacy, community, and the difference we can make together.



Thank you for helping Reading Power make every play count for literacy.

You're Invited: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Janice K. Jackson

Every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader. Making that a reality, however, requires more than good intentions. It requires schools, communities, philanthropy, and policymakers working together, rather than in isolation, to create the conditions for children to thrive.

Join us on Thursday, October 8, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at William Blair for a thoughtful conversation about what that collaboration looks like in practice and the meaningful impact it can have for children and families across our city.



We’re honored to welcome Janice K. Jackson, EdD, Executive Director of the Education and Society Program at The Aspen Institute, who will be in conversation with Lisa Bulzoni, CEO of Reading Power.

Tickets are $150, and light refreshments will be provided.

Because educators are at the heart of this conversation—and at the heart of the work to help children develop the literacy skills they need to thrive—we are pleased to offer complimentary admission to all educators.

We hope you’ll join us for an engaging conversation about literacy, opportunity, and what we can accomplish when we come together to help every child succeed.

Starting the Year Inspired: Reading Power's 2026 - 2027 Tutor Kickoff

Reading Power welcomed more than 275 tutors and staff to the Gorton Center for our annual Tutor Kickoff, launching the 2026–2027 tutoring year with energy and inspiration.

Award-winning writer and artist Kelly Q. Anderson joined us as our featured speaker, highlighting the power of connection and encouragement and the important role tutors play in supporting young readers.

In addition to Kickoff, our staff and tutors participated in a week-long training to prepare for the year ahead. Now, everyone is ready and excited to welcome students through our doors on September 28 for another year of building confidence, strengthening skills, and fostering a love of reading.

Launching Reading Power's Auxiliary Board

We are proud to announce the launch of our new Auxiliary Board, a dynamic community of Legacy and Emerging Leaders united by a shared commitment to Fostering the Promise of Literacy — Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.



The Auxiliary Board brings together passionate leaders who believe in the transformative power of literacy and are committed to supporting our mission, strengthening our community, and helping shape a vibrant future for generations to come.

We are thrilled to welcome more than 20 inaugural members who have already joined this exciting new initiative. Their leadership, energy, and dedication will help lay the foundation for the Auxiliary Board and its work in the years ahead.

We extend our sincere thanks to Kathy McFarland and Keith Wright for spearheading the formation of the Auxiliary Board and helping bring this vision to life. Their leadership and commitment have been instrumental in launching this important new chapter.

Interested in learning more or getting involved? We would love to hear from you. Please reach out to Katie Taylor to learn more about the Auxiliary Board and how you can be part of this growing community.

Become a Key Sponsor

Lisa Bulzoni, MEd, CEO 

Mary Therese Barkhausen, BA, Director of Communications

Kate Burke, BS, Director of Operations

Kristin Fine, MEd, Director of Programs

Katie Taylor, BS, Director of Development

Viri Perez, MEd, Associate Director of Programs

Daniela Cruz, Operations Systems Manager

Grace Drake, BA, Development Manager

Olivia Shinners, BA, Digital Engagement and Volunteer Manager

Beth Zender, MEd, Community Engagement and Volunteer Manager

Laurel Klee, MEd, Program and Office Assistant

Jenn Bodine, BS, Site Coordinator

Katie Burdiak, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Karen Citow, MA, Site Coordinator

Brooke Davis, MEd, Site Coordinator

Rachael Deutsch, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Julie DiGuiseppe, BS, Assistant Site Coordinator

Marla Guziec, BS, Site Coordinator

Tracy Hovis, MEd, Site Coordinator

Joy Israel, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Randi Klawans, MEd, Site Coordinator 

Carole Klein-Alexander, MAT, Assistant Site Coordinator 

Jeannette Lee, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Aimee Lewis, MEd, Site Coordinator

Ashley Libit, MA. Site Coordinator

Debbie Loring, MSEd, Site Coordinator

Katie Michols, MEd, Site Coordinator

Lisa Newman, MEd, Site Coordinator

Susie Olefsky, MEd, Site Coordinator 

Kristy Pfeffer, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator 

Cathy Plate, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator

Heather Rosenblatt, MAT, Site Coordinator

Amy Sacia, MEd, Site Coordinator

Emily Sampson, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator 

Mandy Siegel, MEd, Site Coordinator 

Elizabeth Soling, AA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Megan Vandergeest, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Susan Walsh, MEd, Site Coordinator

Hailey Yetman, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator