Phoenix Comic Fest Provides Major Funding to Local Children's Literacy Initiative

With Phoenix Comic Fest (PCF) gearing up to open its doors over the Memorial Day weekend, plans have been made for several fundraising events to benefit the convention's sponsored charity, Kids Need to Read (KNTR). Over the past nine years, the support of PCF has resulted in over $250,000 raised for the Mesa-based literacy organization's programs for disadvantaged children. Funds are raised through various parties, games, raffles and auctions conducted during the annual four-day pop culture event in downtown Phoenix. The convention also encourages artists and costuming groups to fundraise for KNTR by contributing original art for auctions and conducting games or raffles. In addition to PCF, other organizations that support KNTR during the event include Arizona Coyotes, Blue Ribbon Army, Lupine Entertainment and 501st Legion Dune Sea Garrison.

"What an exceptional level of commitment toward the support of literacy programs benefiting disadvantaged children," said Denise Gary, Executive Director of KNTR. "We are looking forward to doing wonderful works on behalf of children in need of literary treasure, thanks to the generosity of Phoenix Comic Fest, as well as their many staff members, volunteers, participants, artists, authors, and attendees! Together we work to bring the joy of reading and the power of a literate mind to children locally and throughout our nation."

In addition to the fundraising festivities, KNTR hosts two programs for children each year, the non-competitive Youth Fashion Show and the creative Build-a-Book program with author/illustrator Steven Riley. Build-a-Book is sponsored by the Arizona Coyotes, and team mascot Howler is scheduled to make a special appearance during the Saturday 12:00 PM presentation.

Forty-five percent of our nation's children reside in neighborhoods and homes that lack access to books and libraries, and many attend schools that cannot afford to purchase books. Studies indicate that providing kids with access to books may be one of the most overlooked solutions to helping ensure kids succeed in school. Kids Need to Read will use the funds raised at Phoenix Comic Fest to provide reading resources to children living in low socioeconomic areas of the Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond.

About Kids Need to Read:
Founded with a passion to improve the lives of disadvantaged children by providing inspiring book collections and engaging literacy programs to underfunded schools, libraries, and organizations across the nation, Kids Need to Read aspires to empower and embolden every last child through a culture of reading. For many of the children it serves, Kids Need to Read represents a crucial link to a strong literacy education, and its programs help build and nurture support systems leading to higher reading levels. By immersing children in an integrated world of literary experiences that teaches them, firsthand, the impact of reading on every aspect of life, imagination is ignited and confidence is built for a prosperous future, regardless of race, economic status, or personal capabilities.

About Phoenix Comic Fest:
Phoenix Comic Fest is a pop culture experience that delivers happiness to every age group and walks of life. Meet your favorite celebrities, creators, authors, discover delights and wonders within thousands of hours of programming and nightlife events, shop from a seemingly endless selection of fun vendors, or just spend your time people watching. Occupying the Phoenix Convention Center in sunny downtown Phoenix, festivities take place annually during Memorial Day weekend. Join us May 24-27, 2018 and discover your inner geek!

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