Today I had an opportunity that really thrilled my inner 8-year-old, the one who grew up watching RIF public service announcements about how Reading is FUNdamental. The RIF #BeBookSmart car, a truly awesome little smart car with a stack of books on top, is touring California right now. B. B. Smart, as the car is called, is drumming up excitement for RIF's summer promotion with Macy's to raise money so that RIF can continue to buy books for kids. (You can find more details here and you can enter a related contest on Facebook here.) This program is extra-important this summer, given the large funding hit that RIF took in this year's federal budgeting cycle.
Anyway, B. B. Smart made a quick stop this afternoon at my house in San Jose. Here are some photos:
Is it not the cutest car you've ever seen? Even if it didn't have books on top, it would be cute. But as it is? Priceless. I only wish I'd had more advance notice - I could have planned a little party. But Baby Bookworm and I still had a great time meeting B. B. Smart and driver Charles.
If, like me, you think that RIF's book distribution program is fundamentally important, please do consider checking out the RIF Macy's summer promotion. Just go to any counter at Macy's and give $3 to help provide a book for a child. You'll then get $10 off a $50 purchase. Macy’s will donate 100 percent of every $3 to RIF. Or, you know, you can just donate to RIF directly. I can't promise that you'll get to see B. B. Smart. But I can promise that you'll be helping to put books into kids' hands.
What a great afternoon for me and my inner child! You have to love a nonprofit that has such a spirit of fun.
Thank, Jen, for allowing B. B. Smart and Charles to drop by and see you and Baby Bookworm today on somewhat the spur of the moment. We are thrilled to have you represented in the BBSmart photo gallery! All of us at RIF appreciate your ongoing, strong support for RIF and its 45 year old, still going strong mission!
Posted by: Rasco from RIF | July 06, 2011 at 06:16 PM
THIS is an awesome idea. If they cut your funding, get louder and more visible than ever - with a cute car! I'll bet people on the road go home and look up the URL who might never have connected otherwise. An excellent idea.
Posted by: tanita | July 07, 2011 at 12:29 AM
Jen,
Love the B.B. Smart car! You look like the perfect driver for that RIF-mobile.
Posted by: Elaine Magliaro | July 07, 2011 at 07:25 AM
Thank YOU for sending B.B. Smart by, Carol. We had a great time! And I agree, Tanita. The whole fun smart car is a great idea. I live in a tiny cul de sac, and someone still stopped to ask about B.B. Smart in the 15 minutes that the car was here. Definitely eye-catching! And Elaine, thanks. It actually felt like a great fit to me, too.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | July 07, 2011 at 10:48 AM
I just read about the RIF funding being cut as I did research for my own post about children's literacy. This is so neat- how did you get to ride the RIF car? Is it making its way across the country? Would love to hear more!
Posted by: Sarah | August 01, 2011 at 10:09 AM
The RIF car was traveling around the country, Sarah. It made a stop at my house at the request of Carol Rasco, RIF CEO. Carol and I work together (with Terry Doherty) sharing literacy news twice a month, and she thought it would be nice for them to get a few photos with me. I didn't actually ride in the car, but it stopped by my house for a photo op. It was VERY fun!
Posted by: Jen Robinson | August 02, 2011 at 06:02 PM