Thanks to a friendly bet between Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter – a friend of First Book and honorary chair of the 3rd annual Book Bash – and Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory, children in Philadelphia and Cincinnati will receive 3,000 new books.
The bet ran between October 6-10, 2010 alongside the National League Division Series between the Phillies and the Reds in which the winning city receives 2,000 books from First Book. And since there are no losers when it comes to books for kids, the losing city receives 1,000 books.
“When children read, it builds confidence and creates a life-long love of learning,” said Mayor Nutter. “The real winner of this bet will be the many children in both cities who will receive increased access to quality, age-appropriate books. “
Here at First Book, we could not agree with Mayor Nutter more. And as always, we are proud to help support children in both Philadelphia and Cincinnati with the resources they need to be successful in school and beyond.