Thanks for visiting our individual fundraising page!

Why this cause is important to me:

I initially connected with Room to Read in the Fall of 2011 and was immediately interested in their mission and recognized it as something I might want to be a part of.  Geoff and I had spent some time overseas working for an international development organization and knew how great the need could be.

When I retired from teaching public school here in Illinois in May 2016, I knew I needed to find another purpose; My experience abroad, with my experience in education dovetailed.  What could I do to support making sure that girls everywhere got a good education, especially I developing nations?  My belief is that if all the girls in the world had an education, the world would be a very different place.

I researched dozens of organizations and connected with as many people as I could find to try and zero in on the organization that I would like to work with going forward.  Room to Read came out hands down as the most reputable and effective one I could find.  I went to a presentation in Chicago last fall and met the founder, John Wood, and heard him speak.  His conviction and impressive measurable successes convinced me to throw my weight behind them.  This past winter, Geoff and I visited their offices in San Francisco, and were impressed with the staff’s dedication, and this spring I volunteered with their Literacy Program and reviewed all 1500 original titles that they have published in 15 countries as part of their effort to create relevant reading materials for primary school children.  This February, Geoff and I will travel to Tanzania to visit a project in person.

 I hope you will join me in supporting this important organization!  Become a member of the Chicago Chapter and meet with us monthly to create, promote and support the fundraising events in the area!

Why Room to Read? 

Many world problems can be addressed through one solution: education. Why? Because knowing how to read makes people safer, healthier and more self-sufficient -- yet nearly 800 million people are illiterate and two thirds are women and girls. That's why Room to Read's innovative model focuses on deep, systematic transformation within schools in low-income countries during the two most critical time periods in a child's schooling: early primary school for literacy acquisition and secondary school for girls' education.

Just like Room to Read, I believe that world change starts with educated children. So, join me on my journey to change the world. Every contribution helps!

If you'd rather send a check, please mail the check to : Room to Read, 465 California St Suite 1000, San Francisco, CA 94104