People’s Credit Union and the Newport Gulls are back at it again, teaming up for the 18th straight year to get elementary school kids excited about reading.
Because who says baseball and books can’t be best friends?
The FANatic About Reading Program does exactly what it sounds like—it makes kids fanatic about cracking open a good book. Here’s how it works: Newport Gulls players (collegiate athletes who clearly understand that being a role model is part of the gig) visit elementary schools across Aquidneck Island to read to kids in their classrooms. It’s storytime meets sports heroes, and honestly, it’s pretty brilliant.
But wait, there’s more. Students get bookmarks and a summer reading challenge—finish four books before school starts again. This year, the program sweetened the deal with prize tickets. We’re talking serious rewards here: throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Cardines Field, snagging a jersey signed by mascots Gully and Gully, Jr., or taking home a signed game bat. Kids can drop their completed tickets at any People’s Credit Union branch through July 13th.
The big celebration happens on July 22nd, when People’s Credit Union hosts FANatic About Reading Night at Cardines Field. Think of it as the Oscars, but for young readers who crushed their summer book goals.
“The FANatic About Reading program with the Newport Gulls is something we are very proud of,” said Courtney Hunter, Head of Community Development for People’s Credit Union. “It’s truly inspiring to see these collegiate athletes make a positive impact in the community, both on and off the field.”
The numbers tell an impressive story: this program reaches more than 3,000 students across 150+ classrooms on Aquidneck Island every single year. That’s a lot of future bookworms getting their start thanks to some baseball players who get that reading is just as important as batting practice.
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