A CELEBRATION of READING - FLORIDA

Under the leadership of former Governor Jeb Bush, the Volunteer USA Foundation holds their own A Celebration of Reading each year in Naples, FL. Proceeds support grants to 12 literacy academies across the state as well as individual scholarships for vocational schools and community colleges.

Mark Your Calendar...

The 11th annual Florida Celebration of Reading will be held on February 17, 2012

A look back at the 2011 Florida Celebration of Reading
Celebration of Reading Raises More Than $3 Million for Literacy

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2011) – The eleventh annual Celebration of Reading hosted by former Gov. Jeb Bush, his wife, Columba, former President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush, raised more than $1.7 million, and $1.65 million in-kind.

Held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa on Feb. 11, the event featured appearances by Gov. Rick Scott and his wife, Ann, along with a very special guest: Zoe, the beloved character from Sesame Street.

National best-selling authors at this year's Celebration of Reading included: -Former First Lady Laura Bush, author of this year's New York Times best-seller "Spoken from the Heart";
-Donovan Campbell, former Marine and author of "Joker One: A Marine Platoon's Story of Courage, Leadership, and Brotherhood"; and
-N.D. Wilson, author of the 100 Cupboards trilogy, including "100 Cupboards," "Dandelion Fire" and "The Chestnut King."

Florida's Celebration of Reading has raised nearly $18 million for family literacy programs in Florida and the southeastern U.S. since the program was launched under then-Gov. Bush in 2001. Numerous special guests this year included Family Literacy Initiative spokesman Jeb Bush Jr., Senate President Mike Haridopolos, James Beard-award winning chef and author Art Smith, and international pop artist Romero Britto.

The Florida Family Literacy Initiative is administered by the Volunteer USA Foundation, which provides funding, training and technical assistance for literacy providers. In addition to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, major partners include Comcast Cable, Publix Super Markets Charities, Florida Trend, Scholastic, Dollar General and Walt Disney World Co.

For tickets or sponsorship information for the 2012 Celebration of Reading scheduled for Feb. 17, 2012, contact Tina Matte, event coordinator, at 239-277-6295. 


"Bedtime with Bubbly Babysitter Beulah" by Jeb Bush Jr. and his wife Sandra

At the 2011 Celebration of Reading "Bedtime with Bubbly Babysitter Beulah," a children's book written by Jeb Bush Jr. and his wife Sandra, was unveiled. The "Bubbly Babysitter Beulah" benefits families with deaf children.  The second phase of the project will include an online video version featuring an American Sign Language performing artist who will bring the story to life. The book features colorful artwork inspired by international pop artist and literacy advocate Romero Britto. 

"One of the most important lessons my Ganny taught me is that reading opens many doors and breeds success in life," said Jeb Jr. " My wife and I are proud to contribute to this heartfelt passion for family literacy and hope moms, dads and children everywhere enjoy reading and signing our bedtime story."

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is underwriting the book project. Printed copies will be donated to Volunteer USA's family literacy programs. The story will also be available as an online book to teach literacy through the written word and Sign Language. The online version of "Bubbly Babysitter Beulah" and a subsequent Spanish edition are slated for release in the spring of this year.