The inaugural Bags for Books, hosted by Altrusa and United Way of Northwest Arkansas, aims to put books in the hands of as many area preschoolers as possible. Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, children born in Benton, Washington, Madison and McDonald counties can receive one book a month from their first year of life through their fifth birthday. The program aims to boost school readiness by encouraging parents to read to their children regularly.
The luncheon event will feature a silent auction of new donated handbags stuffed with themed goodies. Brand names among the purses up for auction include Coach and Fendi.
Justin Minkle will be the fundraiser’s keynote speaker. Minkle teaches second and third grades at Jones Elementary School in Springdale and is the founder of the 1,000 Books Project with his students. He was named the 2007 National Teacher of the Year and 2006 Milken Educator.
AT A GLANCE Bags for Books
What: Luncheon, purse auction, key
note speaker, Dolly Parton impersonator
When: 11:30 a.m. March 7
Where: Springdale Holiday Inn
Tickets: $35
Information: (479) 750-1221 or
unitedwaynwa.org
Style, Pages 19 on 02/21/2013