By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer
Thanks to the hard work of staff and volunteers, the dedication of corporate partners, and the generosity of the Words Alive community, the 2024-25 Champions for Youth campaign ultimately raised $137,898 — all in support of Words Alive’s mission to inspire lifelong learning through reading and ensure every child has access to the tools for success. Excitingly, Words Alive tied for first place in securing bonus funds and proudly took first place for the number of unique donors.
The campaign kicked off with impressive success on Giving Tuesday, marking the first official day of the campaign. On that day alone, Words Alive raised $18,290 — more than four times the amount raised in 2023 ($4,135). This year’s launch also saw a significant rise in donor participation, with 147 donors compared to 44 in 2023.
Champions for Youth is a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, running from December 3 to January 26, hosted by The Century Club and Farmers Insurance. Through peer-to-peer fundraising, Words Alive’s supporters mobilize their immediate social circles, such as friends, family, and co-workers, to make an impact.
“Roughly half of 3rd graders in San Diego County are not reading at grade level, and the gap is even wider for students of color. Words Alive is helping close that gap and making a real difference in our community,” said Steve and Gabrielle Heide. “The built-in matching incentives during the Champions for Youth campaign motivated us even more to contribute to this important cause.”
The campaign’s momentum continued well beyond Giving Tuesday, as fundraising efforts ramped up throughout the season.
“Champions for Youth is not only Words Alive’s biggest fundraising campaign of the year, but it’s our opportunity to connect with community members about the importance of literacy, reading, and book access, and to invite them to join us in supporting young readers across San Diego,” said Robyn Grand, Community Engagement Manager at Words Alive, noting that 2025 will be the last year Words Alive can participate in the campaign. “One of my favorite things about Words Alive is how accessible it is to get involved, whether it’s through volunteering or supporting a peer-to-peer campaign.”
Twenty individuals created fundraising pages, bringing in 527 donors who jointly raised $65,108. This success made Words Alive eligible for the $235,000 Farmers Cares Bonus Pool, securing an additional $72,000 in bonus funds to further support their mission. Matching funds from Farmers Insurance, the S. Bernstein Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation, and Christopher Weil & Company, Inc. further amplified the campaign's impact.
“Giving back to my community in a way that changes the lives of youth is a true honor,” said Bijan Nowroozian, Words Alive board member. “I’m incredibly grateful to not only make an impact but also be part of a greater campaign alongside like-minded individuals who are making a difference. Thank you Champions for Youth and Words Alive for all that you do!”