Dolly Day Lewis County aims to raise critical funds for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
May 20-Community members across Lewis County are invited to come together on Saturday, May 23, for Dolly Day Lewis County, a two-part fundraising event supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and helping ensure local children continue receiving free books each month.
This year's fundraising effort comes at a pivotal moment for the program, a recent news release from the United Way of Lewis County stated.
Recent reductions to Washington state's matching funds for the Imagination Library program have created an urgent need for increased local support to sustain the program in Lewis County.
Currently, nearly 2,500 children in Lewis County receive a free, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their homes every month through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. While the cost to provide books is just $31 per child per year, the growing number of children enrolled, and new families signing up for the program every month, means community investment is more important than ever.
"Our goal is simple: we want every child in Lewis County to have access to books at home and the opportunity to build a lifelong love of reading," said Chris Judd, resource development director for United Way of Lewis County. "With the loss of state matching funds, local support now plays an even bigger role in keeping this program alive for families in our community."
Dolly Day Lewis County will feature two opportunities for the public to support the program, both on Saturday, May 23:
-Radio Pledge Drive at Chehalis Outfitters: From noon to 2 p.m., KMNT Radio will broadcast live from Chehalis Outfitters during a community pledge drive encouraging residents to donate to the program and sign children under age 5 up for free monthly books through the Imagination Library.
-Evening Concert and Fundraiser at The Juice Box: The celebration continues at The Juice Box in Centralia with a live country concert featuring Northwest country artist Leah Justine. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert runs from 7 to 10 p.m. General admission tickets are $25, and VIP tickets are $50 and include two free drinks and a meet-and-greet with Justine.
The evening fundraiser will also include a silent auction, a paddle raise and other community fundraising activities benefiting the Imagination Library.
Organizers hope to raise more than $20,000 during Dolly Day Lewis County to help offset funding losses and continue serving children throughout the county, according to the release.
For more information about Dolly Day Lewis County, or to sign a child under age 5 up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, visit www.lewiscountyuw.com.
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