ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Partnership for Children is seeking teams and sponsors for its upcoming Bowling for Books FUNdraiser later this month.
Proceeds from the event will support Partnership activities including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Circle of Parents, according to Executive Director Dr. Katrina Chance.
“Literacy affects our state’s ability to create a workforce needed to compete in the global market and ensure our future prosperity,” Chance said in an email Wednesday. “Knowing that a majority of language development happens within the first few years of life, RCPC provides programs that develop early literacy skills needed for success in school, work, and life.”
According to a data card from NC Child, Richmond County had a child population of 12,228 in 2003, with 25% of those being under the age of 6.
The median family income in 2001 $38,926, leading to 62.5% of children living in poor or low-income households and 27.4% being food insecure.
During 2021-2022, only 35.4% of third-grade students were proficient in reading and 81.4% of high school students graduated on time.
In addition to having books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Partnership also offers the “evidence-based evidence-informed” Reach Out and Read program.
“All proceeds will go towards supporting the RCPC Mission which advances a high-quality, accountable system of care and early education for each child beginning with a healthy birth, and supports families to improve early childhood health and development to ensure children are prepared for success in school and a global community,” Chance said.
The event, co-sponsored by Superior Cranes, is scheduled for 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, May 20 at Striker’s Bowling Alley in Rockingham.
The Partnership is seeking teams of four, with a $25 entry fee per participant. Lane sponsorships are also available for $50.
Trophies will be awarded to first-, second-, and third-place finishers.
For more information, call the Richmond County Partnership for Children at 910-997-3773 ext. 123.
