Hi everyone!  Get excited because we are starting our very first Reading is Leading Challenge!  Take a look at the following information and then log on to www.firstbook.org/mortarboard to make a pledge or send donation requests!
 
"Each chapter is supposed to complete a project tied to the Mortar Board national “Reading is Leading” literacy initiative.  Your chapters have done great projects in the past including book drives and reading to children, among others.  This year we truly have a national project tied to Reading is Leading, that all chapters will participate in.  You can continue Reading is Leading initiatives that you have done in the past, but if your chapter has struggled with literacy projects or you are looking to make a change, this is a great way to participate in the national project and meet the Reading is Leading project requirement of the MB minimum standards. 
 Mortar Board has teamed up with First Book to provide books to children in our collegiate chapters’ communities.  Nationally, our fundraising goal is $30,000 or to donate approximately 15,000 books, by October 15th.  Each chapter designates a local organization for their funds to be allocated, and that organization will get to order books from First Book in that amount.  Pledges can be made on the special First Book Mortar Board site at www.firstbook.org/mortarboard, and credit card payments are accepted online (or you can mail in a check).  When someone makes a donation, they select the college/university that they are sponsoring.  Additionally, chapters can raise funds with raffles, bake sales, etc. – the sky’s the limit!  At the end of the conference, I challenged each chapter in Ohio to raise $500 toward this project.  Be creative in what you do – for example, you could ask each member to raise at least $10 on their own and hold another small fundraiser to get the remainder.  We are already doing great!  Megan from the National Office was in touch with the First Book people this morning, and they specifically mentioned that Ohio Wesleyan had received $136 in donations, and The University of Cincinnati had received $75!!"

As you can see we have been challenged to raise at least $500 toward this project and Ohio Wesleyan and University of Cincinnati are already on their way!  If you have any questions or want more information let me know. We only have until October 15th so be sure to go online today!