When I try to imagine a world without books, it’s just too hard. My whole world revolves around the written word, it always has. When I was a child, I ran home from school to read books. My mother took us to the library all the time. When I finally got around to reading the classics, it was as though a whole new world opened up to me. I majored in Journalism, started my career in television but naturally found my way into the publishing industry where I have worked for the last eleven years. My love for reading and books has never waned and I am very good at marketing anything to do with the written word. I read anything I can get my hands in – books (I’m in a faithful, dedicated book club), magazines and I follow zillions of online publications. My children have dutifully followed in my footsteps, and have appreciated the never-ending amounts of books I have received from all the publishers I have worked for, filling the shelves in their rooms. There are books all over our house and we will never stop buying them.
This year, Passports with Purpose, a travel blogger’s fundraiser that I am participating in, is supporting Room to Read. If you read this blog regularly, you know that giving back and travel are two of my passions so I’m thrilled to be involved. You might also be interested to know that I am very involved in the local chapter of this terrific organization and that we just raised 20K for them. Here is a photograph of CEO and co-founder Erin Ganju at our recent event in Westchester.
Room to Read believes that World Change Starts with Educated Children. They envision a world in which all children can pursue a quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments, they develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.
For Passports with Purpose, this translates into specific, concrete efforts — they plan to raise enough money to fund the establishment of two libraries, their exact locations TBD, in under-served communities in Zambia. The program will put books in the hands of kids that don’t have them. There are corresponding goals — bring in good teachers and librarians, engage the libraries in supporting regional education programs, increase literacy and, by doing so, change lives for the better. There’s lots of information on the Room to Read site about their programs, please go read up if you want more detail.
This is where The Culture Mom comes in.
Lending a hand is simple. We’re joining over 100 other bloggers who have all secured fantastic prizes. Blog readers like you have the opportunity to check out the assortment of prizes. Then, for each $10 donation, you get entered into a drawing for the prize(s) of your choice.
This is where our prize sponsor comes in.
Earlier this year, my family and I stayed at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek® while in Disney World and it was the perfect place to stay for afamily our size. It’s comfortable, convenient, and quite luxurious. Even to this day, my kids keep asking when we are going back. The resort has so much to offer: location, activities, accessibility, spacious rooms, amenities, free shuttle service to all the Disney parks, five fabulous pools scattered around the resort, miniature golf, club rooms, an extremely kind staff and more. It’s the perfect kind of trip for a family that wants something for everyone.
In support of PwP, Wyndham Bonnet Creek® is offering a complimenary three-night stay in a 2-bedroom deluxe unit: Located in Lake Buena Vista, Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort is mere minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World®. You’ll not only enjoy free scheduled transportation to and from the Disney Theme Parks, but a very rewarding stay on site. From the full activities calendar to special touches like the tranquil Lazy River, beautiful pool and private lake, this is no ordinary stay. Valued at $713.52. Certificate must be presented at check-in. This offer expires12/23/2012. Based on availability. No cash value.
This is where you come in.
Do you have $10 to spare? Want the warm feeling that comes with giving back? Follow these steps:
- Head on over to the prize catalog / donation page.
- Select Wyndham’s prize (and/or whichever strikes your fancy) and make your tax deductible donation via PayPal for a chance to win.
- Wait patiently. Prize winners will be announced on December 23rd.
Check out the PwP website for full details or let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below and finally, watch this video about the program:
Disclosure: This prize was provided to me free of charge as a entree in this fabulous campaign to help people in other countries. All opinions expressed are my own.
[...] Books fed my imagination, they gave me the taste for discovering and they boosted my love for traveling.–Simon Falvo When I try to imagine a world without books, it’s just too hard. My whole world revolves around the written word, it always has. When I was a child, I ran home from school to read books. –Holly Rosen Fink [...]