Rotary Club of Tucson and its Foundation selected Make Way for Books to receive a major portion of the net proceeds, estimated at $50,000, of their Tucson Classic Car Show for the next five years. Funding from Rotary Club of Tucson allows us to travel out into the community to reach the 4 out of 5 children who do not have access to quality preschool or childcare. With their support, we transform locations like social services offices, community food banks, the Tanque Verde Swap Meet, and laundromats into mobile early literacy “schools without walls,” where children and parents learn together.
According to Rotary Club of Tucson member, and former Club President, Phil Gutt, “Absent the solid foundation of adult reading and comprehension, it is nearly impossible to meet the challenges of daily life and of raising a family. Children learning to read well by third grade benefits them as well as society – helping those who have yet to reach that level is the goal of the literacy programs Rotary supports.”
Rotary Club of Tucson is a tremendous partner to Make Way for Books and goes above and beyond to support our youngest children. Rotary Club members have collected book donations, provided volunteer support for events such as the Downtown Holiday Parade, and connected children and families with free tickets to events like Disney On Ice. We are beyond grateful for the generous support and partnership of Rotary Club of Tucson!