PHILADELPHIA, PA – September 8, 2020 – Entercom, a leading media and entertainment company and one of the two largest radio broadcasters in the U.S., is partnering with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation (Foundation) to host the first annual Giving Week campaign in support of the Foundation’s signature program My Home Library. From September 8 through 11, in recognition of National Literacy Awareness Month, Entercom Houston stations Mix 96.5 (KHMX-FM), 100.3 The Bull (KILT-FM), 95.7 The Spot (KKHH-FM), Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) and Mega 101 FM (KLOL-FM) and the Foundation aim to raise $100,000 to provide more than 3,500 home libraries to economically disadvantaged Houston children.
“Our mission at Entercom is to serve the Houston community by not only connecting our listeners with their favorite music, news and sports content, but by supporting the community through initiatives that impact meaningful change,” said Sarah Frazier, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Houston. “As our kids go back to school, whether in person or online, knowing how to read is a cornerstone of all future learning. We want to put as many books in our children’s hands as possible, as they are the future of our city.”
“We are pleased to partner with Entercom and its affiliated stations to raise awareness of the importance of literacy during National Literacy Awareness Month,” said Julie Baker Finck, President, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. “Together we call on the Houston community to help make a difference by making a tax-deductible gift to equip an underserved child with books to help them learn and succeed. It is only through partnerships with civic-minded companies, like Entercom, that we can make an impact in our city.”
Listeners are encouraged to donate by texting “HTXReads” to 41444, via online, or by mailing a check to the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation at 7887 San Felipe, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77063. Phillips 66 is kicking off the campaign by contributing $25,000 in matching funds towards the Foundation’s annual Giving Week. For every dollar raised, My Home Library will provide critical funds for a child to receive new books.
Over 80 percent of Houston’s public schoolchildren are considered economically disadvantaged. Research shows an estimated 61% of children in low income families lack age appropriate books in their home. The Foundation’s My Home Library program uses a custom-designed, web-based tool providing a solution to home libraries being out of reach for economically disadvantaged children. Through the My Home Library platform, children can create a wish list of books for which donors can fulfill.
Entercom is committed to supporting the health and success of the communities that are the heart of its business. “My Home Library” is a part of Entercom Serves, the Company’s social impact platform that raises awareness of social issues and brings communities together for good. Entercom unites with its listeners and brands to support sound communities through five pillars of impact: children’s health, civic education, mental health and anti-bullying, veterans and service members and the environment.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by Entercom)
