Words Alive Harnesses Power of Community to Raise More than $110,000

BY VIKKI BOWES-MOK, WORDS ALIVE VOLUNTEER

Words Alive was chosen to participate in the 2023-24 Champions For Youth Campaign, hosted by The Century Club and Farmers Insurance. 

Source: The Century Club of San Diego

“We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the Champions for Youth campaign,” said Tracy Dahlkamp, MPA, Donor Engagement Manager for Words Alive, who oversaw this year’s campaign. “This is our sixth year participating but our strongest year yet!”

Champions for Youth is an exciting peer-to-peer fundraising campaign that ran from November 28 – January 28. Peer-to-peer fundraising allows Words Alive’s supporters to tap their immediate social circles, such as friends, co-workers, and family members. This year Words Alive had 38 people volunteer to create fundraising pages compared to 32 people in 2022-23.

“The opportunity to participate in the campaign was a fun and exciting way to share with friends the extraordinary mission of Words Alive!,” said Brian Fidler, a Words Alive board member. “So many of the people who made contributions wrote heartfelt and supportive notes of admiration for the work of Words Alive. My wife even organized a pickle ball fundraiser, which drew support far beyond the minimum requested donations.”

The work of the Fidlers along with other supporters generated 627 unique donations, which was first place in number of unique donations. These donations raised $59,281 for Words Alive. This impressive amount made Words Alive eligible for the Farmers Cares Bonus Pool. The 2024 Farmers Cares Bonus Pool is $235,000 and Words Alive received $52,834 in bonus funds, for a grand total of $112,115. This means for every $1 raised Words Alive actually received $1.89.

“What we find truly remarkable, and humbling, is the exceptional dedication of our volunteers who willingly take on the responsibility of fundraising on our behalf,” said Dahlkamp with a grateful smile. “Beyond generously giving their time to our program throughout the year, many amazing volunteers created their own peer-to-peer fundraising pages and enthusiastically raised thousands of dollars on our behalf. It’s so special for us to engage with our volunteers in this way and we are so grateful to be part of it!”

Meet Monica

By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

In July 2023, Words Alive welcomed Monica Griego as our Fundraising Campaign Manager. She will be spearheading “Writing Our Next Chapter,” which is a property improvement fund and a three-year capacity building campaign.

Monica comes to us with a deep expertise in campaign leadership and fund development. She secured $1.3 million in federal funding to create the Northern New Mexico Rural Health Network, which addressed the Opioid Overdose Epidemic in rural communities. As Executive Director of the United Way of Northern New Mexico, she raised $500,000 in Community Action Funding to provide operational and programming support for more than 35 nonprofit organizations. In Colorado, Monica registered a record-breaking number of Latinos to vote as Statewide Field Director with Mi Familia Vota. Additional work experience includes Investment Bank Deutsche Banc Alex Brown, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial, and the U.S. White House. Monica earned her Bachelors of Science degree in international law from Georgetown University's School Walsh School of Foreign Service and is a Certificate Holder in Latin American Studies. 

What intrigued you about Words Alive?

I was drawn to Words Alive by its mission and programs. I was impressed when I saw volunteers working in classrooms and engaging families around the joy of reading. There’s a special energy that comes from working with mission-driven people who truly believe their work is improving the literacy landscape of San Diego. After meeting the Words Alive staff, I knew right away I wanted to be a part of this team.

What are you most excited about in this position?

My job is special. I have the privilege of reaching out to former board members, founders, and dedicated donors to tell them about the progress our core programs are achieving and about our new Worldwide Headquarters building. I get to see their excitement and enthusiasm for Worlds Alive’s incredible trajectory. There’s always a look of deep appreciation and satisfaction on their faces. It’s their early work that enabled Words Alive to be where it is today: PGA Tour 2023 Charity of the Year, the top 1% of San Diego Nonprofits as ranked by the San Diego Business Journal, and in a beautiful Downtown San Diego office location. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2024, I am connecting the early supporters with the board, staff and volunteers working at Words Alive today. Making those connections is very meaningful. The people powering Words Alive today is what makes me most excited about coming to work every day.

What is your relationship with literacy and learning?

As the first person in my family to go to college, I understand the importance of a quality education and becoming a global citizen through the joy of reading. I don’t think I’m smarter than other members of my family who didn’t graduate from a four-year accredited university. I’ve just had more exposure to books that have helped shape my understanding of the world and my place in it.

What are you currently reading?

“21 Savage Is Finally Free to See the World. We Came Along for the Ride” in Rolling Stone magazine, January 2024

Meet Anadita, our January Page Turner of the Month

Page Turner of the Month 

We are so happy to recognize Anadita Upadhyaya as our Page Turner of the Month! Anadita has been a volunteer with us since August of 2022— in that time, she has read 13 books, adding up to an impressive 78.5 hours and 3,875 pages. Here is what Anadita wrote about her experience with Page Turners. 

1. Introduce Yourself! 
 
Hello! I’m Anadita Upadhyaya, an eighth grader with a love of reading and writing, along with a passion for working for the betterment of the community. Some of my interests include taekwondo and debate. On that note, I value family and community. I come from a family of educators, my grandfather was a professor, and my family puts high emphasis on reading and learning. So naturally, I discovered my love for reading as a young girl and have nurtured it to this day. 
 
2. How did you come across Page Turners? 
 
While searching for more ways to contribute to the community, I came across Page Turners. I was elated to come across an organization that enabled me to give others the joy of reading through reviewing books! 
 
3. What are your hobbies/interests outside of volunteering? 

I love to write, including creating poetry, along with partaking in sports such as taekwondo. Another one of my interests is public speaking, and I greatly enjoy and have had great success in debate! 
 
4. Has reading with Page Turners impacted your perspective on society or your community? 
 
Yes, Page Turners has had so much impact on my perspective! Through the diverse books I read, I’ve seen the world through the view of people with different lives, perspectives, and personalities. By walking in someone else's shoes, I’ve been able to understand more of how our society works, the issues in it, and how united we pave the path forward. 
 
5. What is your favorite book(s) so far? 
 
Each book brings something special to the table- and picking a handful out of the ones I discovered through Page Turners is no easy task. However, at the top of my never-ending list of favorites are Strange Birds: A Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez and Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston. 

Thank you, Anadita, for your work within the Page Turners Community! We truly appreciate the time you have put in and your thoughtful reviews.  

Join Anadita in her involvement with the Page Turners Community here.  

Page Turners: Reading as Volunteering

Think of a book you loved as a child. What drew you to the story? How was it different than other books? What made the characters relatable and interesting? Did you see people who looked and talked like you reflected in the pages?

At Words Alive, we are dedicated to utilizing diverse, engaging texts relevant to the lives of the children, teens, and families we serve. Our most popular volunteer program, Page Turners, was created to gather the input of volunteers from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, geographical regions, and life experiences to select the titles most likely to spark a love of reading among Words Alive’s participants. The result has been a remarkable increase in high-quality, diverse books used throughout Words Alive’s programming, increasing the chances of young people finding books meaningful to them.

Page Turners is an international network of volunteers who read and review books for Words Alive, marking the first step in our curriculum pipeline.

The Page Turners process:

• Participants select a book to read from our curated book list - books recommended to us and/or in consideration for use in our programs - and sign up to read it.

• Volunteers obtain the book through a library, bookstore, e-book, etc., and read it at their own pace.

• Upon completion of the text, Page Turners submit a detailed review form about the book covering everything from themes of the book to identities of authors/characters to the best age range for the text. Of course, feedback about how fun, engaging, and interesting the reader found the book is incredibly important as well. We particularly love hearing the opinions of tween and teen Page Turners - they are, after all, the experts on young adult books!

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind was the most-loved Page Turners title of 2023! If you purchase through this link, Words Alive receives a portion of the proceeds.

Originally created to address the overwhelming amount of book recommendations Words Alive received - far more than our small staff could evaluate - Page Turners has grown to become Words Alive’s most popular volunteer program, engaging over 1,500 unique volunteers since the program formed in 2019. The flexibility of the self-paced, virtual role appeals to a range of ages, abilities, and schedules, while the sheer joy of reading new books makes for a unique and fun volunteer opportunity!

In addition to benefiting Words Alive’s programs and curriculum, Page Turners also profoundly impacts the volunteers themselves. Page Turners titles are intentionally selected to represent diverse identities and situations rarely featured in literature. By reviewing books that represent the student populations that we serve, Page Turners are exposed to a diverse array of narratives and perspectives that they may not have come into contact with before. 

“[Love Violet] painted a picture of a relationship that I had not previously thought deeply about,” says one Page Turners volunteer. “It gave me the opportunity to stretch my imagination which I believe will ultimately contribute further to my acceptance of people who are different from me. As a parent, I think this book helped give me vocabulary to discuss these topics with my child.”

Being able to contribute to an organization that prides itself on utilizing relevant, diverse texts is a strong motivation for many volunteers.

“I volunteer here because being able to ensure diverse books with accurate rep is something I had to search for,” says Jaz G., a longtime Page Turner. “So I want to help kids now find it.”

Whether Page Turners are reading and reviewing books from the heart of San Diego or thousands of miles away, their work is directly impacting the 5,000 children, teens, and families Words Alive serves each year. Thank you to every Page Turner who has taken the time to find the stories that inspire a love of reading in young San Diegans.

How Words Alive Inspired a Love of Reading in 2023

Words Alive could not let 2023 close without sharing a few exciting headlines as we continue to write the Words Alive story. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, last year Words Alive inspired a love of reading for a record-setting 5,500 children, teens, and families across San Diego – and we mean love:

““[The workshops] have really helped and encouraged her. Now she actually tries to read – everywhere we go, she reads signs on the road or in stores! Reading has helped her become more confident and independent.””

— Parent from Words Alive’s Family Literacy Program

““When students get a new book, they want to have a safe place for it. A lot of kids are in unstable households and move around a lot, so the kids…keep their prized items in their backpacks, so they won’t get left behind or lost when going to their aunt’s house, or Grandma’s house across the border. When I check their backpacks at the end of the year, I find all their [Words Alive] books in there.””

— Teacher from Words Alive’s Read Aloud Program

We hope you enjoy this snapshot of our year!

Our Permanent Home

After nearly 25 years of serving San Diego, Words Alive is thrilled to have a permanent home! Karen and Jeff Silberman donated a 5,000 sq. ft. building in East Village, valued at $2 million. This transformational gift is ideal to meet Words Alive’s needs; roughly 70% of Words Alive’s partners are within six miles of our new headquarters, increasing access for volunteers to serve San Diego’s youth.

Impactful Programming

In the 2022-23 program year, Words Alive connected 5,675 children, teens, and families to the power of reading through three research-based programs:

• Our Family Literacy Program ignited a love of reading for 1,411 families by utilizing the power of play in a six-week workshop series offered in English and Spanish.  Through the virtual and in-person workshops with Head Start, transitional kindergarten, and community partners, data is showing that families read, on average, one additional day a week following their participation in the program.

• Volunteers in our Read Aloud Program led weekly read alouds with 2,355 elementary students in Title I schools throughout San Diego County. 91% of teachers indicated their students shared the books they were gifted from Words Alive with their families, displaying the enthusiasm for learning that research shows improves outcomes around school participation and attendance.

• Our Adolescent Book Group engaged 496 young adults in spirited explorations of diverse books relevant to their lived experiences. Learners reported growth in key areas of interest, confidence, and time spent reading. Making connections to and through text is an important cornerstone of this program; this past year, 70% of students reported they learned to connect with others in their book group in a new way.

 Increasing Access

Words Alive’s commitment to increasing access to engaging, relevant books is rooted in the data. Research shows growing up in a home with 100 books – especially diverse and language-appropriate books - is the tipping point at which students consistently read at grade level. To aid in that quest, we distributed over 16,000 books last school year, each paired with a custom learning kit with school supplies and a tie-in craft activity designed to deepen connection to the text.

Dedicated Volunteers

In the 2022-23 program year, we engaged 1,083 volunteers from around the globe, supported by a small staff of 13. The estimated value of our volunteers’ service over the past year exceeded $220,000! We thank our volunteers, and all our supporters, for making reading matter for San Diego’s youth.

National Recognition

In December 2023, the PGA TOUR announced that Words Alive has been named the 2023 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year! This national award marks an exciting new chapter in Words Alive’s story, and the accompanying $30,000 grant will directly support our mission to open opportunities to success by inspiring a commitment to reading.

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Thank you for your support in the movement to make reading matter for young people across San Diego. We look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary with you in 2024 and, of course, connecting even more children, teens, and families with the power of reading!

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Words Alive Named 2023 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year

On December 8, 2023, the PGA TOUR announced that Words Alive has been named the 2023 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year! This national award marks an exciting new chapter in Words Alive’s story, and the accompanying $30,000 grant will directly support our mission to open opportunities to success by inspiring a commitment to reading.

We were recently surprised with this award at our office - check out this video to see our team’s shock and excitement!

“It’s not often that we, at Words Alive, find ourselves speechless, but this honor from the PGA TOUR is beyond anything we could have imagined,” said Rachael Orose, Executive Director of Words Alive. “Being able to read, and understand what we read, is the key to living a full, free life. This world we envision is made possible through the simple, essential, and effective act of reading together – and we are deeply grateful to the PGA TOUR, the Century Club of San Diego, and Farmers Insurance for their extraordinary investment to ensure we become a community of readers.”

The Century Club of San Diego, a nonprofit organization with the primary purpose of administering San Diego’s PGA TOUR event, the Farmers Insurance Open, believes that through the giving of time, treasure, and talent, they can make a lasting impact in San Diego.

The Century Club and Words Alive team members

“We are proud to call Words Alive a partner through our Champions for Youth program,” said Marty Gorsich, CEO of the Century Club of San Diego. “We believe that access to education and job readiness training are necessary to creating and sustaining thriving communities. Literacy is key to participating on any level in our society, and Words Alive’s programs are vital to our youth developing into lifelong learners.”

Since 2019, Words Alive has participated in the Century Club’s core charitable program, Champions for Youth, which has grown to be Words Alive’s largest fundraiser of the year…and is underway right now!

Thanks to a generous pool of matching funds, every Champions for Youth donation is matched at least 1.5x (so $10 = $25, $20 = $50, etc.). Every contribution in this friendly fundraising competition makes a real impact - the more donors and the more dollars, the more matching funds received!

Please click here to make a gift for literacy today.

If you have any questions about the Champions for Youth campaign, please contact Tracy Dahlkamp, Donor Engagement Manager, at [email protected].

Award-Winning Creators of "Nigel and the Moon" Visit San Diego Students

In early November 2023, Words Alive was thrilled to be part of a series of events bringing the creators of Nigel and the Moon to connect with children in San Diego. Thanks to a generous donation by Roberta and Mark Emerson, Words Alive brought the book’s award-winning illustrator, Brooklyn-based artist Gracey Zhang, to San Diego for three different events over two days, where she visited 315 children and gifted each child a copy of Nigel and the Moon in English or Spanish.  

Gracey Zhang and Antwan Eady

Nigel and the Moon, written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by Gracey Zhang, is a glowing tale about the young dreaming big and how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence. This remarkable debut was chosen by KPBS as the children’s book selection for 2023’s One Book, One San Diego, a partnership between KPBS and over 80 public libraries, service organizations and educational institutions. Now in its 17th year, One Book, One San Diego’s mission is to bring our community closer together through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book.

When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!

Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky.

But it’s Career Week at school, and Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates—especially when he already feels out of place.

Meeting authors behind the characters we love deepens the context of what we read and encourages learners to imagine themselves as thinkers, readers, and future creators of stories that shape our world. Those moments – especially when the authors reflect readers’ identities and lived experiences – spark curiosity and can change the way young people view who and what belongs on the page. 

Words Alive’s most effective author experiences bring writers, learners, and our community together, virtually and in-person, to explore and respond to themes of the text. Excitingly, the Emerson’s investment allowed us to fulfill these aims over three unique events:

Burbank Elementary School

Words Alive has long delivered Read Aloud programming at Burbank Elementary, where less than 20% of students are meeting grade-level English and language arts standards. The Emerson’s investment empowered Gracey to visit 139 kindergarten – third grade students across five classrooms. Since several of the classes were bilingual or fully in Spanish, every child took home a new copy of the book in English or Spanish, most autographed by the author. Once word about Gracey’s visit spread, enthusiastic demand for led us to tap existing partnerships with the Cindy Polger Book Fund and PNC Foundation so we could obtain books in English and Spanish as well as resources for additional classroom visits.

Gracey Zhang with Jane H., Words Alive volunteer, at Burbank Elementary School

A longtime Words Alive volunteer “reading role model” joined Gracey to lead the read aloud of Nigel and the Moon, after which Gracey spoke with the students about her experiences as an artist and illustrator. Excitingly, Gracey engaged the children in an interactive drawing session where she illustrated their creative ideas on the spot, swiftly adding to the art as students shouted out suggestions!

In addition to an autographed copy of the book, each student received a playful tie-in learning kit in English and Spanish specifically designed to deepen connection to the text. Learning kits contain detailed step-by-step instructions for a craft activity that builds on themes in the book, along with all materials needed to complete that activity. Learning kits also include a parent guide to layer in literacy best practices for family engagement as well as a starter kit of basic school supplies such as glue, scissors, and crayons.

Antwan Eady and Gracey Zhang with third grade students at Rosa Parks Elementary School

Rosa Parks Elementary School

A collaboration between KPBS, the San Diego Unified School District, and Words Alive brought Gracey and Antwan to Rosa Parks Elementary for a book reading by the author and open Q&A session specifically designed for the 150 third grade students present. All children received the Nigel and the Moon paired with bilingual learning kits with extra craft supplies like a watercolor set, in addition to receiving a starter kit of basic school supplies such as markers, scissors, and glue. To increase access, the event was livestreamed to other schools for broad participation across the community.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Words Alive and KPBS brought Antwan and Gracey to the San Diego Air & Space Museum to host a book signing, open Q&A session, and book reading by the author that was open to the public at no cost. Approximately 75 community members of all ages attended this interactive storytelling event.

Gracey Zhang and Antwan Eady at the San Diego Air and Space Museum

Words Alive thanks our supporters, sponsors, and community partners for creating a unique opportunity for children in historically underserved communities to connect with Antwan Eady and Gracey Zhang. We are truly grateful for our partners’ commitment to connecting children to the power of reading through enabling joyful, engaging experiences between historically underserved students in San Diego and the creators of stories relevant to their lives.

Meet Tracy

In July 2023, Words Alive welcomed Tracy Dahlkamp to the team as our Donor Engagement Manager. Tracy has made an incredible impact in her first few months at Words Alive, and it feels like she has always been part of the crew! We are so excited to introduce her to the Words Alive community.

Tracy is a dedicated leader who is deeply committed to community engagement and driving positive change in San Diego County. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Before joining the Words Alive team, Tracy left her mark on the San Diego community by successfully establishing and leading two volunteer nonprofit organizations: the Lake Murray Playground Project and The Lake Murray Fireworks & Events. Tracy brings with her a strong commitment to community service and her belief in the transformative power of literacy and education.

Now, a few words from Tracy:

What brought you to Words Alive?

As a parent, I've witnessed the profound impact that literacy and a commitment to learning can have on a child's development. To be part of an organization like Words Alive, which prioritizes these values, is an honor.

Can you tell us about one of your favorite books?

One of my very favorite books is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. It’s an amazing story set in France during the WWII Nazi occupation from the perspective of two sisters - one who joins the underground rebellion and the other who fights to remain in her home. I’ve read many stories during that time period, but I especially loved reading a WWII story from the female perspective.

I hear you have a travel habit relating to literacy - can you elaborate?

I absolutely love public libraries! When I travel, I make it a point to visit the local public library in the area. I find the atmosphere in a library incredibly energizing and motivating. I'm drawn to curious individuals who actively seek knowledge, and these are the kind of people I often find in libraries.

Meet Celeste

Words Alive is thrilled to announce a new addition to our team: Celeste Brown, our Administrative Coordinator! Read on to learn more about Celeste and her drive to join the Words Alive team.

In July 2023, Words Alive welcomed Celeste Brown to the team as our Administrative Coordinator, supporting the organization’s daily operations, facility operations, and accounting. She is the key staff member supporting the Board of Directors and Executive Director. Celeste earned a B.S. in Clinical Psychology and B.A. in Human Developmental Sciences at UCSD, and has years of professional experience in administration, reception, and retail.

Now, a few words from Celeste:

What intrigued you about Words Alive?

Aside from my lifelong love of reading and all things books, what most interested me about Words Alive was its commitment to serving the highest need communities. Working in, and giving back to, underserved populations has always been important to me in all aspects of my life, so finding an organization that I felt shared that sentiment was really inspiring. I felt like Words Alive wasn’t just doing the work to be able to say they did it, but rather to really make an impact for the youth they served. After my first interview, I felt so comfortable, and so seen that I knew I had to be a part of Words Alive one way or another.

What are you most excited about in this position?

I’m most excited about learning more about the innerworkings of a nonprofit organization. Doing administrative work really allows me to peek into all the different parts of Words Alive and get a holistic understanding of what goes on. It’s been great to be a part of such a hardworking and amazing team. Also, I’m excited to be in a space where I can be representative of the populations that we serve. I know that if little Celeste had seen someone that looked like her in more spaces like these, it would’ve had such an impact.

What is your relationship with literacy and learning?

Learning is one of my favorite things in the world. Growing up, my mom was a teacher, and so the classroom has always been a safe space for me. The library too. A lot of my childhood was spent in the library, checking out stacks of books that I’d finish in a week. Being a pretty introverted and shy child (and adult), reading has always provided me with an escape when life can get too overwhelming. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that education and literacy have provided for me, and for having a parent who encouraged that love for learning. I hope to do that for others.

What are you currently reading?

I just finished Dirt Creek by Haley Scrivenor. I’m always looking for a good mystery/who done it, so if you have any suggestions, please send them my way!  I also love fantasy books. My favorite book of all time is The Chronicles of Narnia. I have the whole series packed into one book and it’s a classic that I can always go back to.

Meet Pranusha, our November Page Turner of the Month!

This month, we are happy to recognize Pranusha Appanabhotla as our Page Turner of the Month. Pranusha is a seventh grader from Menands, New York, and has been participating in Page Turners since November 2022. Since joining the Page Turners community, she has read 16 books, adding up to 49.5 hours and 3,666 pages. Here is what Pranusha said about her time volunteering with Words Alive! 

Tell us about yourself! 

I'm Pranusha, a 7th grader who loves reading, writing, and STEM building. If I'm not doing any of this, you can usually find me drawing away in my sketchbook! Ironically, all my hobbies are like puzzles; you have to work on it piece by piece...the final result looks nothing like how it started!! 

How did you come across Page Turners/Words Alive? 

I heard from a teacher, who recommended it to me! 

What are your hobbies/interests outside of volunteering? 

My hobbies are reading, writing stories, STEM building, and drawing! 

Has reading with Page Turners impacted your perspective on society or your community? 

Page Turners has definitely impacted my view on books; since the books that I read now, are not only for me but they are different worlds others can enjoy as well! Every page I turn, or see someone turn, I feel proud knowing that I provided that to another person in the world.  

What is your favorite book(s) so far? 

This is a very tricky question, though I would say that Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick would be the favorites! I would recommend them to everyone since the story plot is amazing and details in the books make you feel like it's real! 

Thank you, Pranusha, for all your time and dedication! We love having your words and energy here at Words Alive.  

If you would like to join Pranusha in this large community of Page Turners, sign up here.