Brooke Jackman Foundation Read-A-Thon Welcomes Rosie Perez, Cast of SPIDER-MAN and More Today, 9/8

Arts Brookfield will welcome children, families and visitors to celebrate a the affirmative power of literacy at the Brooke Jackman Foundation's third annual read-a-thon at the World Financial Center Winter Garden today, September 8th.

This year's Read-a-thon will feature guest readings from Rosie Perez (Do the Right Thing, Nurse Jackie), cast members of "Spider-Man Turn off the Dark", Reading Rainbow creator Dr. Twila Liggett, Izzy and Sophie from Care Bears on Fire, and WNYC's John Schaefer, in addition to some uniformed heroes of 9/11.

The Read-a-thon will also mark the debut reading of ABC, MY Family & Me: An Alphabet Book by the Kids of the Brooke Jackman Foundation, a poignant and delightful collection of stories and illustrations from child who participate in the Foundation's literacy program. All proceeds from the sale of the book at the event go to support the work of the Brooke Jackman Foundation.

This annual event also marks the 11th anniversary of the Brooke Jackman Foundation, a non-profit that promotes literacy for at-risk children in the greater New York area. The organization was created 10 years ago to honor Brooke Jackman, a 23-year-old woman who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks before achieving her dream of becoming a social worker. Brooke's commitment to literacy and helping children spurred the Jackman family to create the Foundation as her living legacy – turning tragedy and despair into hope for a better world.

World Financial Center Winter Garden is located at 220 Vesey Street, New York City. The Read-A-Thon begins at noon, and admission is free-no tickets or reservations required. For more information, click HERE or call 212.945.0505.