The Future of Literacy Is Bright

R2S Fundraiser | Summer 2021

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​Support community-powered literacy programming in Buncombe County. Help Read to Succeed Raise $30,000 by August 31, 2021.

Donate to R2S Today

We are quickly approaching our $30,000 goal! Thank you to everyone who has already donated and helped us spread the word.

For thirty years, literacy rates among young children in the U.S. have remained largely unchanged. While science shows us 95% of all children can learn to read (no matter their race, socio-economic background, or location), we still see 34% of fourth-graders in our country reading below a basic level.

In Asheville, fewer than 25% of Black 3rd-8th graders read at grade-level - this statistic reflects one of the worst opportunity gaps between Black and white students in the entire U.S.

At Read to Succeed, we know improving literacy rates and closing the opportunity gap comes down to high-quality instruction and community and family-powered literacy programming. That's why we:

• Train volunteer tutors in foundational reading skills to tutor K-3 students in our local schools
  
• Support early childhood partners working with children 0-5 years
• Conduct literacy workshops and family reading events with community partners
• Distribute literacy resources, books, and family reading materials to education partners and children

Our goal is to raise $30,000 by August 31st to meet our financial expenses not covered by grants. Help us reach this goal!

Learning to read means being able to learn, apply for jobs, vote, volunteer, read prescriptions, explore the world, and so much more! When you invest in literacy, you help unlock potential and open the door to opportunity for young children.

To donate today visit r2sasheville.org/bright-future (online form or Paypal available), or send a check to Read to Succeed, P.O. Box 18652, Asheville, NC 28814.

Donate to R2S Today

Here are some other ways to give: 

• Coronavirus CARES ACT: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which became law on March 27, 2020 allows taxpayers who do not itemize to deduct up to $300 in cash contributions to charitable organizations in 2020. Benefit from the new tax deduction and support R2S today! 
  
• Donor Advised Funds: If you have a donor advised fund, please consider a donation to R2S. Contact info@r2sasheville.org for more information.
  
• IRA Charitable Rollover: If you own an IRA and are at least 72 years of age, you can still benefit with a simple transfer of funds directly from your IRA to R2S. ​The amount of your gift is excluded from your reported income for federal income tax purposes - your gift is 100% tax free!​
  

Help Spread the Word

It's easy to spread the word about Read to Succeed and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to invest in literacy in our community.

1) Use this letter template and send via email - click here.

2) Post on social media - here are a few existing posts you can click and share:

• Facebook
  
• Twitter
• Instagram
  
• LinkedIn

3) Contact us if you are a business who would like to partner with R2S to move literacy forward in Asheville and Buncombe County - email jess.mclean@r2sasheville.org.