Thanks for visiting our fundraising page! 

Why this cause is important to us:

We first became aware of Room to Read in 2015 after reading John Wood's book: Leaving Microsoft to Change the World. The following year we received an incredible and unique wedding gift of a Children's Library that was donated in our name to the Thmar Da Primary School, located about an hour north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 

The school was desperately in need of a library. Literacy and retention rates were low, and there were not many resources available - but the students there were eager to learn. While on our honeymoon, we had the amazing opportunity to visit the school and take place in the ribbon cutting ceremony.  We spent a day with the students, librarian, headmaster, and locals who all played a part in construction of the library, and we were overcome by what a positive experience it was for both us and their community. It was an incredible experience and one that was not exclusive to us - Room to Read encourages donors to visit the schools they are directly impacting. 

Since then, we have made it our goal to dedicate more time and resources to this cause. While there are plenty of domestic issues here in the US, allocating just a portion of our donations can go a very long way abroad. Through education and literacy, we can help level the playing field for all children globally. 

After meeting John Wood at a Colorado chapter meeting last summer, we were made aware that the Chicago Room to Read chapter was dormant, and looking for someone to revive it. We have teamed up with a handful of others in the city and established fundraising goals for the 2018-2019 year. We are starting small, but very optimistic that we can meet our goal. 

We encourage everyone to read John's book, explore the website, and ask any and all questions. We love sharing our story, and if you would like to get further involved, please let us know. Stay tuned for events in the near future!

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