BANGOR, ME – Dirigo Reads, a program that aims to put a book in the hands of every Maine first grader each month during the school year, partnered with Governor’s Restaurant and Bakery for Read a New Book Month earlier this month. At an event on Saturday, Dec. 14 at all Governor’s Restaurants, Dirigo Reads estimates they distributed well over 1,000 books to Maine kids for free. Governor’s Restaurant also donated a portion of breakfast sales to the Maine non-profit that morning, culminating in a $2,500 donation for Dirigo Reads to further its mission to improve childhood literacy.
“Every way you slice it, this was a good day,” said Jason Clay, owner of Governor’s Restaurant and Bakery. “We had smiling kids and families getting brand new books at no cost to them, and Governor’s Restaurant was able to give a meaningful donation to a program that is doing a lot of good throughout our state.”
“I’ve said for years that the impact of Dirigo Reads is seen in the faces of the kids getting their own new book to take home and keep,” said Dan Cashman, co-founder of Dirigo Reads. “We got to see that joy on so many faces spread throughout all six Governor’s Restaurants Saturday morning, and the joy spread to the faces of their parents, grandparents, and other patrons enjoying breakfast. We are incredibly thankful to Governor’s for the opportunity to engage with their customers in this way, and for the donation to Dirigo Reads.”
Dirigo Reads’ mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of children in Maine through literacy and share a little optimism along the way. This is accomplished by giving first graders in participating schools a brand new book to keep during every month of the school year. Last year, Dirigo Reads distributed more than 33,000 books to the more than 100 schools involved in the program. Over four school years, Dirigo Reads has distributed about 88,000 books to first graders in participating schools.
Dirigo Reads founding Dirigo Star partner is Machias Savings Bank.
“Without business partnerships, Dirigo Reads would not exist,” said Cashman. “As families full well know, books cost money. Partnerships like this one with Governor’s, and with longtime collaborators like Machias Savings Bank, and every partner we’ve had along the way, ensure that kids have the best possible chance to fall in love with reading.”
Governor’s Restaurants are located in Old Town, Bangor, Ellsworth, Waterville, Lewiston, and Presque Isle.
Schools and businesses interested in being a part of Dirigo Reads should visit www.DirigoReads.org and click on “Contact,” where a form is available to submit all necessary information. More details about Dirigo Reads participating schools, sponsors, and partners can also be found on the website.
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