Dear Editor,
Congratulations and thank you to all in our communities, whose generous donations made it possible for Ferst Readers to reach its goal to provide books for 500 children in Greene and Putnam counties for the coming year. We also want to thank our community newspapers for helping us get the word out.
We are so grateful to all who support literacy in the youngest children in Greene and Putnam counties through Ferst Readers. A great big thank you goes out to all the local merchants and restaurants that donated gift certificates for raffle prizes.
In no particular order, shopping prizes were donated by Mary Kay Cosmetics, Empire South at Lake Oconee, Essential Southern Charm, Lake Country Outfitters, Exhale Yoga, Paper Soiree, Oconee Cellars, Deer Run Florist, Max & Molly Children’s Boutique, Bend the Trend, Madeleine Page Footwear & Apparel, Main Street Furniture, and Broad Street & Main Antiques & Home Décor.
Additionally, dining prizes were donated by Lake Oconee Bistro, Pedro’s Mexican Grill & Cantina, Filet Steak & Seafood, El Sitio Mexican Restaurant, Silver Moon, Lake House Gastropub, Table at the Lake, and Ripe Thing Market & Eatery.
The drawing for raffle prizes was held Monday evening, October 16 at 7 p.m., at Lake Oconee Bistro and we thank them for hosting us. Those attending enjoyed a delicious meal and watched Cathy Mize and Erin O’Keefe conduct the drawing while Diana O’Keefe announced the winners. Congratulations to each of the winners!
As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, Ferst Readers promotes the development of early childhood literacy skills in children from birth to age 5, especially for those who need the most help with getting access to age-appropriate books in their homes. Please continue to be a literacy champion for young children in Greene and Putnam counties by supporting Ferst Readers. Our fundraising efforts never end. Visit Ferst Readers online at ferstreaders.org.
Sincerely, Greene Chair Diana O’Keefe, Greene Co-Chair Carol Kuhn, and Putnam Chair Cathy Mize