It's that time of year again - Team Bookin It!  I was signed up for the 5k, but unfortunately my ankle injury is preventing me from running, so I am officially switching to a "virtual" runner this year. I feel I should still put in some sacrifice toward this goal as I ask you all to support me! So...similar to the torture running would have been, I'm offering to read nonfiction for all donations! (Those who know me well, know how hard this will be :))

Any donation amount is greatly appreciated and supports getting books into the hands of kids who don't have them! But here is also what your donation will get (in terms of torture):
$10 = 1/2 hour of reading before the race
$25 = 1 hour of reading before the race
$50 = 1 hour of reading + add a book to my list for the year
$100 = Choose an entire book to be read this summer

Your generosity means the world to me! I'd love to break the amazing record I set last year with over $1000 raised (but keeping my goals realistic.) I look forward to being bored to tears but highly educated in history, politics and other nonfiction stuff by the end of the year!  :)

What does your money do? A $25 donation actually provides 1 free book per month for 1 year to a child between 0 and 4 years old here in Chicago as part of the Imagination Library program and Open Books! Just $100 provides monthly free books to that same child for the duration of the progam! But any amount is greatly appreciated and goes to support the many amazing ready and writing program Open Books delivers here in Chicago (and you can learn more about here.)

Thank you in advance to my amazing family, friends and coworkers for your support of my passion for this amazing organization!

About Team Bookin' It (TBI)!

Open Books' annual fundraiser Team Bookin' It, brings together runners and virtual runners in support of literacy. TBI is part of the Humana Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon, July 20-21. The race includes a 5k on Saturday, July 20 and a 10k and Half Marathon on Sunday, July 21. The race takes place at Grant Park.

If you're not into running, you can still be part of the TBI team! Sign up as a virtual runner, and let your fundraising creativity shine! Proceeds from TBI support Open Books' literacy and book granting programs.

Fundraising Minimums

Half Marathon: $700
10K: $500
5K and Virtual Runner: $300

Open Books' Mission

Open Books' mission is to transform lives through reading, writing, and the unlimited power of books.  Each year, Open Books engages more than 6,000 children and students through its literacy programs and donates over 160,000 books to children, families, and under-resourced communities throughout the Chicago area annually. To learn more, please visit www.open-books.org.