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KGW Making Readers Campaign
Raises Over $40,000 For Literacy Group
Wells Fargo, Portland Trail Blazers, SMART and KGW NewsChannel 8
Give More Than 16,000 Books to Local Kids
11 December 2009, Portland, Ore. – Local children from low-income families will receive more than 16,000 books after literacy lovers in the local region donated more than $40,000 to SMART (Start Making A Reader Today). The funds were raised through the first annual KGW Making Readers campaign held recently in partnership with Wells Fargo, Portland Trail Blazers and KGW NewsChannel 8.
Throughout the month of October, the campaign encouraged the public to volunteer to read to children or make cash donations of any amount. Donations were made at Wells Fargo locations and ATMs in Oregon, by texting the word SMART to 90999, and online
“Thanks to the generosity of the community and our partners, SMART is able to put more than 16,000 books in the hands of kids who need them most,” said Terry Shanley, CEO of SMART. “In these uncertain times, it is imperative to keep literacy at the forefront. No other ability is more fundamental to successful employment, and a literate society is one that thrives. Those who gave to this campaign truly understand the importance of learning to read early—thank you.”
Wells Fargo customers can continue to donate to SMART at almost any Wells Fargo ATM in Oregon and southwest Washington.
“Studies show that books in the home are essential in encouraging a child’s literacy,” said Don Pearson, regional president of Wells Fargo. “We are pleased to take part in a campaign designed to help Oregon’s most at-risk youth from falling behind. Education is a major focus of our corporate contributions because of the important role it plays in building a healthy community.”
“Giving children access to all the tools necessary to be successful in school is a top priority for the Trail Blazers,” Trail Blazers President Larry Miller said. “We believe the work SMART is doing, through lending that extra assist of one-on-one time and providing books to kids, is raising achievement. It is our pleasure to partner with Wells Fargo and KGW in support of SMART in its work to promote literacy and ensure our children a successful future.”
The campaign kicked off Oct. 4 at Wells Fargo Fan Fest, an intra-squad scrimmage among the Portland Trail Blazer players. The campaign was promoted at Trail Blazers games through in-arena messaging and on the Trail Blazers radio and television broadcasts. Final campaign results were displayed at the Rose Garden Arena during the Trail Blazers game Nov. 3.
About SMART® (Start Making A Reader Today)
SMART is a nonprofit that envisions an Oregon where every child can read and is empowered to succeed. We engage community volunteers to read one-on-one with K-3 children who need literacy support. Participating children also receive new books each month to keep and read with their families. Since 1992, thousands of SMART volunteers have been inspiring little readers through storytelling. Together with support from the community, we are building brighter futures for Oregonians big and small. Volunteer or donate today. Visit www.getsmartoregon.org or call 1-877-598-4633.
About Wells Fargo
Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.2 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,000 stores and 12,000 ATMs and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally. Wells Fargo has repeatedly been named one of the most generous corporations in America.
About the Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), were founded in 1970, and purchased by Paul G. Allen in 1988. The team’s rich heritage includes 27 playoff appearances, an NBA championship in 1977 and a commitment to community service. With a corporate mission to “Make It Better,” the Trail Blazers strive to help children and their families throughout Oregon and southwest Washington learn, play, grow, get involved and live healthier lives. The Trail Blazers are the first and only pro sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate community service. A long-time partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland led to the establishment of the Blazers Boys & Girls Club, the first team-sponsored club of its kind, and has resulted in contributions of more than $1 million. The Albina Head Start McCormack-Matthews Center, which provides education and health services to preschoolers and their families, was established in 2004 with nearly $1 million in contributions from Allen, the team, and former Trail Blazers star – and Portland native – Damon Stoudamire. For more information on the Trail Blazers visit www.trailblazers.com.
About Belo Corp.
KGW is part of Belo Corp. (BLC), one of the nation’s largest pure-play, publicly-traded television companies, with 2008 annual revenue of $733 million. The Company owns and operates 20 television stations (nine in the top 25 markets) and their associated Web sites. Belo stations, which include affiliations with ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW and MyNetwork TV, reach more than 14 percent of U.S. television households in 15 highly-attractive markets. Belo stations rank first or second in nearly all of their local markets. Additional information is available at www.belo.com or by contacting Brenda Buratti at 503-226-5130