Board of Directors

Adam Mohammadbhoy, Chairman

Xtavia Bailey

Rob Bell

James Disbro

Kristin Gallagher

Dr. Sheila Halpin

Zack Kallis

Dr. Nicole Kammer

Rachel Kendzior

Annette Larkin

Dr. Michael Mackie

Denise Marzullo

Board of Directors

Jennifer Passmore

Kathy Patreka

Ana Peele

Chantal Porte

Tim Pye

Bryan Rench

Christina Riggio

Misty Ritch

Peggy Sammons

Gary Scott

Pastor Sirrnest Webster

Leslie Wells

BRADENTON KIWANIS FOUNDATION AWARDS $18,000 TO
EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF MANATEE COUNTY'S
READINGPALS PROGRAM

Palmetto, Florida, May 7, 2026 - The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) has received $18,000 from Bradenton Kiwanis in support of ReadingPals, the ELC's early literacy program that brings trained volunteers into local preschool classrooms to read with children each week.

ReadingPals serves 4-year-olds in prekindergarten classrooms across Manatee County. Through weekly shared reading sessions, children build early language and literacy skills while growing more comfortable with books and storytelling during a key stage of development.

"We appreciate Bradenton Kiwanis for recognizing the value of early literacy and the role programs like ReadingPals can play in a child's development," said Darrell King, Chief Executive Officer for the ELC. "Their gift will help us continue creating the kind of positive reading experiences that can shape how children see books from the very beginning."

The ELC's literacy work is grounded in the understanding that young children learn through repetition, conversation, and connection. ReadingPals gives volunteers the chance to sit with small groups of children, where they can read aloud and ask questions. These experiences help kids' vocabulary grow, along with their listening skills and early comprehension.

"ReadingPals is such a simple idea, but the effect can be lasting," said Rachel Spivey, Director of Grants and Strategic Partnerships for the ELC. "When children have regular, meaningful experiences with books, they begin to see reading as something familiar and enjoyable. We're thankful to Bradenton Kiwanis for helping make those moments possible in more classrooms."

Because ReadingPals depends on community volunteers, support from partners like Bradenton Kiwanis helps the ELC to recruit and train volunteers to serve in local early learning settings. The funding will help sustain the program's reach and strengthen literacy support for young children across the county.

For more information about ReadingPals, or if you're interested in volunteering, visit https://www.elc-manatee.org/ReadingPals.

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About ELC of Manatee County

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Inc. is a multi-service agency dedicated to helping children develop skills that they will need to be successful in school and life. The agency's focus is on high-quality school readiness opportunities for all children and their families, understanding that it is in the first years of life that a child's future educational success is determined and the critical role of parents, as their child's first and most important teacher. To learn more about Coalition's services, go to www.elc-manatee.org or call 941-757-2900, extension 2100.

About Bradenton Kiwanis Foundation

Bradenton Kiwanis Foundation provides annual financial support to Bradenton Kiwanis Club charitable programs and projects. In addition, the Foundation provides funding to local nonprofits that have an emphasis serving young people in need.

About Bradenton Kiwanis

Bradenton Kiwanis is an organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Local business leaders, professionals, retirees, and a wide range of dedicated and concerned community members volunteer their time and skills to give young people a chance to learn, grow, dream, experience, and flourish.