Link to Libraries
2 Wilbraham Rd, Hampden, MA 01036, United States of America
(413) 654-7241
Link to Libraries Raises Over $16,000 for Childhood Literacy at Celebrity Bartender Night
April 4, 2024
Link to Libraries raised over $16,000 at its first ever Celebrity Bartender Fundraiser at the Student Prince & The Fort in Springfield on April 4th. Local celebrities, community leaders and over 150 supporters packed the restaurant’s bar in support of childhood literacy.
“The support Link to Libraries received and the energy in the room was truly incredible,” said Laurie Flynn, CEO and President of Link to Libraries. “We didn’t know what to expect with this being our first celebrity bartender event. Our initial goal was $6,000 but at the end of the night we brought in over $16,000! That translates to over 5,000 books for schools and children in need.”
The 16 celebrity bartenders were as follows:
Sheriff Nick Cocchi - Hampden County
Dan Moriarty - Monson Savings Bank
Michelle Abdow - Market Mentors
Jennifer McGrath - MGM Springfield
Amanda Purchase - Symphony Hall
Seth Stratton - Fitzgerald Law, P.C.
Patrick Berry - Mass Appeal
Jessie Sierra-Ross - Straight to the Hips Baby
Michelle Wirth - Mercedes-Benz of Springfield
Drew DiGiorgio - Wellfleet
Matthew Bannister - PeoplesBank
Juan LaTorre III - Verizon
Tim Cullinan of the The New System provided the acoustic tunes.
One of the reasons the event was so successful was because the celebrity bartenders collected “tips” or donations before the event on GoFundMe in addition to during the event. Michelle Abdow of Market Mentors raised the most funds, and as a result was awarded 200 new books to donate to a school library of her choice.
“We are so grateful for the efforts of all of our celebrity bartenders and for our community’s generosity,” stated Flynn. “We truly have the best supporters. A million thank yous from the bottom of our bookish hearts!”
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By Ron Chimelis | rchimelis@repub.com (Masslive) The Toy for Joy campaign is in its final stages, but a late surge in donations will make countless children and families happy this Christmas. The campaign deadline of Dec. 24 comes so quickly. But donations received just before or on that date, or in the mail just after the deadline, count just as much and will go directly toward providing toys, games and books to children from Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Even a contribution mailed on the deadline day of Dec. 24 is applied to the cause. Now in its 102nd year, Toy for Joy has again been sponsored by the Salvation Army, which has been involved with the drive since the 1950s. The organization’s citadels in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield have been distributing gifts to deserving children. Promoting literacy among children has been a Toy for Joy mission for years. This year, Link to Libraries again supported the cause in a major way by providing 1,000 brand new, age-appropriate books to the Salvation Army. “These books are worth approximately $5,000 in all. Last year, we donated 600, so we were able to nearly double it this year,” said Amy Anderlonis, executive vice-president of the Hampden-based Link to Libraries nonprofit. “We think books are the best gift. To make it happen, we rely on the generosity of local businesses,” Anderlonis said. “For many children, their first book comes from us. Salvation Army was having some trouble getting age-appropriate books, but we think partnering with them helps all of us, and the children.” Anderlonis said Link to Libraries was formed in 2008 out of deep concern that so many children in school struggle because of reading challenges. The agency has donated over one million books, at an average of more than 50,000 per year, to encourage a lifelong love of reading by children. Armed with quality toys and books for the children, Toy for Joy is promoted and advertised by The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. All contributions will be recognized and published in The Republican and Reminder Publications, and online by MassLive.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – MGM Springfield is partnering with “Link to Libraries” to support literacy in Springfield Public Schools. The literacy organization works with companies to increase access to reading for children. Since the start of the program in 2008, Link to Libraries has distributed over one million new books to school and home libraries statewide. On Tuesday morning MGM Springfield and representatives from Link to Libraries hosted a holiday book reading party at the White Street School in Springfield, donating books to the children to bring home for the holiday break. “We are celebrating the season of giving,” explained Jennifer McGrath, Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement for MGM Springfield. “If this doesn’t grow your heart 3 times the size, I don’t know what will.” MGM Springfield also presented a check for $2,500 to Link to Libraries to support them in their efforts. View story on WWLP
The Collins Companies of Windsor, CT and Palmer Foundry of Palmer, MA have partnered with Link to Libraries to promote childhood literacy by increasing underserved children’s access to books at school and at home. Through the Link to Libraries Community Book Link (CBL) sponsorship program, The Collins Companies adopted Milton Bradley Elementary School’s library (Springfield, MA) and Palmer Foundry adopted Old Mill Pond School’s library (Palmer, MA). As a result, both schools will receive hundreds of new, high-quality library books each year.
By Ron Chimelis | rchimelis@repub.com (Masslive) The Toy for Joy campaign is in its final stages, but a late surge in donations will make countless children and families happy this Christmas. The campaign deadline of Dec. 24 comes so quickly. But donations received just before or on that date, or in the mail just after the deadline, count just as much and will go directly toward providing toys, games and books to children from Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Even a contribution mailed on the deadline day of Dec. 24 is applied to the cause. Now in its 102nd year, Toy for Joy has again been sponsored by the Salvation Army, which has been involved with the drive since the 1950s. The organization’s citadels in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield have been distributing gifts to deserving children. Promoting literacy among children has been a Toy for Joy mission for years. This year, Link to Libraries again supported the cause in a major way by providing 1,000 brand new, age-appropriate books to the Salvation Army. “These books are worth approximately $5,000 in all. Last year, we donated 600, so we were able to nearly double it this year,” said Amy Anderlonis, executive vice-president of the Hampden-based Link to Libraries nonprofit. “We think books are the best gift. To make it happen, we rely on the generosity of local businesses,” Anderlonis said. “For many children, their first book comes from us. Salvation Army was having some trouble getting age-appropriate books, but we think partnering with them helps all of us, and the children.” Anderlonis said Link to Libraries was formed in 2008 out of deep concern that so many children in school struggle because of reading challenges. The agency has donated over one million books, at an average of more than 50,000 per year, to encourage a lifelong love of reading by children. Armed with quality toys and books for the children, Toy for Joy is promoted and advertised by The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. All contributions will be recognized and published in The Republican and Reminder Publications, and online by MassLive.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – MGM Springfield is partnering with “Link to Libraries” to support literacy in Springfield Public Schools. The literacy organization works with companies to increase access to reading for children. Since the start of the program in 2008, Link to Libraries has distributed over one million new books to school and home libraries statewide. On Tuesday morning MGM Springfield and representatives from Link to Libraries hosted a holiday book reading party at the White Street School in Springfield, donating books to the children to bring home for the holiday break. “We are celebrating the season of giving,” explained Jennifer McGrath, Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement for MGM Springfield. “If this doesn’t grow your heart 3 times the size, I don’t know what will.” MGM Springfield also presented a check for $2,500 to Link to Libraries to support them in their efforts. View story on WWLP
The Collins Companies of Windsor, CT and Palmer Foundry of Palmer, MA have partnered with Link to Libraries to promote childhood literacy by increasing underserved children’s access to books at school and at home. Through the Link to Libraries Community Book Link (CBL) sponsorship program, The Collins Companies adopted Milton Bradley Elementary School’s library (Springfield, MA) and Palmer Foundry adopted Old Mill Pond School’s library (Palmer, MA). As a result, both schools will receive hundreds of new, high-quality library books each year.
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SPRINGFIELD, MA – Tuesday, March 26, 2024 – On Thursday, March 21, 2024, Link to Libraries brought award winning, New York Times bestselling children’s book illustrator Gordon C. James to speak to students at Liberty Elementary School in Springfield. This visit was made possible through a generous grant from Link to Libraries supporters Kathleen and James Pittman of Longmeadow. In addition to sharing stories about his life as an artist and children’s book illustrator, James also read from his Caldecott and Coretta Scott King honor award winning book Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. A highlight of his presentation also included working with students to design and illustrate an imaginary book cover, using students as models and their ideas as inspiration. Link to Libraries donated a signed copy of Crown to every student at Liberty Elementary. One young student named Lilliana was so inspired by the visit that, upon returning to her classroom, she immediately drew her own children’s book cover and story. Lilliana proudly shared her work with Mr. James before he left the school. “There is no better way to bring books to life for children than to introduce them to the authors and illustrators who created them,” said Laurie Flynn, President & Chief Executive Officer of Link to Libraries. “We are so grateful to the Pittman family for making this extraordinary day possible. Two hundred and twenty students were captivated by Gordon James’ presentation. You could literally see their eyes light up with excitement and inspiration. That is exactly how we create young readers.” Sponsor Kathleen Pittman added, “We have been so impressed with Link to Libraries’ impact inspiring young people to love reading, providing needed books to take home, and introducing guest readers from diverse careers to spark dreams of a bright future. We are excited for the exceptionally talented Gordon James to inspire budding artists in Springfield!” "Our visit from Mr. James was an exciting event that sparked a sense of creativity in our elementary students, showing them firsthand the impact of storytelling through art,” said Kelly Wallace, Principal of Liberty Elementary. “It was a special opportunity for our students to see the endless possibilities that are associated with the creation of books. The experience was rewarding for everyone who was able to attend and we are truly grateful to have participated in such a remarkable event.”
2 Wilbraham Rd, Hampden, MA 01036, United States of America
(413) 654-7241
