Press Archive
Bruckner honored by Page Ahead
January 26, 2006
Printed in the January 26, 2006 issue of the Mercer Island Reporter
Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program has selected Islander Mary Jo Bruckner to receive its annual Sarajane Beal Award for Volunteer Excellence. The award was presented to Bruckner at the agency's board meeting on January 12.
Bruckner served on Page Ahead's board of directors until August 2005 and is still active as a volunteer. During her board tenure, she spearheaded the effort to create a signature fundraising event. The agency's annual luncheon, A Taste for Reading, is in great part the result of Bruckner's leadership. Each year it has been held, fundraising goals have been surpassed by at least 10 percent. This year's event will be held on April 6th at the Triple Door in downtown Seattle.
Bruckner is involved on Mercer Island as a parent of three Mercer Island School District students, works as a speech pathologist, and is a community leader and volunteer. ``I respect Mary Jo's commitment to the well-being of both her family and her community,'' said Sam Whiting, executive director of Page Ahead. ``Her ability to work hard, commitment to living a balanced life, and dedication to improving the lives of others are inspiring.''
Since 1990, Page Ahead has distributed more than 1.25 million books to Washington children who are at risk. Page Ahead provides new books for children in need to keep, educates parents and caregivers about their role as a child's first reading teacher, and enlists corporations and community groups to support local reading programs. This year, Page Ahead will serve 50,000 at-risk children across Washington state in collaboration with almost 200 reading programs.
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