The BBF: Serving in the Summer!

On Saturday July 11, 2009 Jennifer Lewis, CEO of The Book Bank Foundation will be hosting a “Summer Pampering” session for women. It will be an opportunity to relax, relate and release and heal from the inside out. A book will be given to each woman in attendance to encourage summer reading. Sample selections from Glenn Toby Radio “ The Romantic Suite” will be played in support of The Book Bank Foundation.

The upcoming 2nd Annual Literacy Fair which will be held on Friday August 14, 2009 @ The Carmelo Anthony Center in Baltimore MD. The focus for this year is to encourage and promoting literacy through creative writing. The Book Bank Foundation’s Creative Writing Workshop (CWW) has been incorporated in the curriculum of the summer camp program. The campers will work on creating an original book and present it at the end of the summer during the Literacy fair/ closing program for the summer camp session.

On August 15, 2009 Glenn Toby Radio in support of The Book Bank Foundation will be hosting a charity event @ The Chocolate Bar in Atlanta. “ The Romantic Suite” Volume 1 is currently available. Advanced orders of “ The Romantic Suite Volume 2 ” are also being accepted at this time. Please look out for the upcoming launch of the Glenn Toby Radio website.

What’s next…. It’s never too early to preparing for the fall and winter events Pre-Thanksgiving event in Atlanta, Hero’s award in NYC and Shelter From The Streets 2009 in NYC !

Visit us at http://www.thebbf.org/ for more information.

The Book Bank Foundation In Action!

On April 28, 2009 Glenn Toby was the keynote speaker for the 20’s under 40’s group at the 11th annual Staten Island Economic Development Business to Business conference. Glenn delivered an electrifying speech to the twenty one individuals being honored for their extraordinary strides in business. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Michael Blumberg were honored civic leaders in attendance at the conference. A special thank you to Jodi Guagliardo,for extending the invitation to participate in the conference. Glenn Toby and The Book Bank Foundation will continue to work hard to keep Staten Island strong!

On May 6, 2009 Glenn Toby, Jennifer Lewis, April Wilson and youth volunteers of The Book Bank Foundation participated in the Adopt a pilot program in conjunction with South West Airlines at Chicago Midway Airport. The Adopt a Pilot program partners with neighboring elementary school students to give them an opportunity to learn about career opportunities in aviation. The students and Book Bank Foundation volunteers had an opportunity meet with Mr. Williams a Tuskegee airman, tour the airport, visit the cock pit and meet flight crew from South West Airlines. Glenn Toby spoke to the students on the importance of reading, alternate career opportunities and being responsible students. The Book Bank Foundation distributed over 160 new books to the students that participated in the program. A special thank you to John Addison, pilot with SW airlines and Book Bank member.

On May 10, 2009 The Book Bank Foundation held its second annual pre-mother’s day celebration at The Bronx Concord House. Highlights from the afternoon celebration were poetry readings from Brenda Douglas, Inspirational messages by Angela Hines, Cherri Shepphard, and Jennifer Lewis. Candace Sandy esteemed co –author of Souls of My Sisters read excerpts from Souls Reveled and autographed copies of the books that were given to the women. The Book Bank Foundation provided mother’s day gifts and lunch to over 26 women and children. A special thank you to Jamel Robinson and Marvin Brown for donating the lunch, Jamaal Lights for providing mother’s day gifts, Cherri Shepphard for donating t-shirts to the mothers and the Hines family for the arts and craft activities for the children

On May 12, 2009 Glenn Toby received the 2009 Community service award for his achievements and his charitable works from the Institute For Student Achievement (ISA) The mission of ISA and The Book Bank Foundation are complementary. ISA specifically works with public schools with low performance rates. They directly invest in the improvement of quality education. At The Book Bank Foundation we believe in investing in the academic needs of our children today because they are the individuals that will be in control of our future tomorrow. A special thank you to Mr. John Addison ,pilot with SW airlines and Mr. David Schoen, attorney at law for introducing Glenn before he received his award and addressed the audience.

What’s next…. August 14, 2009 The Book Bank Foundation and Living Classrooms will host our 2nd annual Literacy Fair/ Back to school event at the Carmelo Anthony Center in Baltimore MD. Donations of back to school supplies are being accepted.

Touching Hearts Deeply - Shelter From the Streets

The Book Bank Foundation finished off 2008 in full stride. After an exciting Heroes Awards, the volunteers of the BBF got into action through our annual event, Shelter from the Streets. It was a rich day of service. I'd like to take the time to share some of our volunteer's perspectives on the day so that you can see how wonderful it is to give service to others.

Our youngest volunteer, Kiera Lewis shared the following: "Volunteering in this year’s Shelter from the streets program by the Book Bank Foundation affected me emotionally, mentally and physically. Reflecting on the day’s events made me realize how fortunate I am. The lasting impression that was left as made me want continue to help others. I will continue to volunteer and help those in need. Many other teens should consider lending a helping hand. I look forward to volunteering next year.”

Kiera's mom, Jennifer Lewis, also had some thoughts, " "The Book Bank Foundation’s 2008 Shelter from the Streets program was a memorable experience. The day began with many volunteers who joined together with the common goal to bring joy to those who are in need. As the day progressed strangers became familiar deeply rooted in all was the desire to give. I would like to thank all of the BBF members, volunteers, and everyone who made a donation towards shelter from the streets 08’. If you would like to make a donation or volunteer please contact us."

Another wonderful volunteer, Mr. Washington shared, "I really enjoyed the entire event. The smiles, tears, and joy we brought to the masses really touched me. It's one of the things I have done in my life that I am truly proud of. And would do over and over in a heartbeat."

We were also blessed to receive great media coverage. Please click on this link to read an article that featured Shelter From the Streets. http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20228631&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574905&rfi=6 .

On behalf of the Executive Board of The Book Bank Foundation, we thank you for your support, donations and time that was shared on shelter from the streets 08’.

We need your help in 2009! If you are ready to serve, please contact us.