Bound for success: College of Education and Human Development’s book sale smashes fundraising goals

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Secondhand stories boosted the College of Education and Human Development’s Blind Date with a Book fundraiser, which sold more than 500 books on Nov. 18. Held annually as part of the College’s Cares Day, the sale raised more than $2,500 for Read and Write Kalamazoo, nearly tripling last year’s amount.

Read and Write Kalamazoo is a nonprofit organization that shares the college’s mission of improving the quality and accessibility of youth literacy programs. Notably, Read and Write Kalamazoo offers support for classroom teachers in Kalamazoo Public Schools by overseeing volunteers who give students supplemental one-on-one and small group time during the school day.

Donated books were prepared by students in the College of Education and Human Development during their First-Year Experience courses as part of their community project assignment. Wrapped in paper, the books were labeled with clues—including the genre, themes and year published—to help people choose their “date.” Students from the college also helped the day of by tabling at the fundraiser’s three locations in Brown Hall, Sangren Hall and the WMU Student Center.

“This year’s success was made possible only through the efforts of many in our college,” says Dr. Laura Dinehart, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “The students who helped prepare us for the fundraiser deserve a great amount of recognition for their many hours of work.”

A highlight of the fundraiser was a visit from WMU’s Buster Bronco. Spending time at the Student Center location, he interacted with customers by taking photos and giving high-fives. Buster also signed books for those who made a purchase with his hoof stamp.

“As someone who’s a book lover, it’s always so hard to pick out a book and find one that I like,” says Marcie Ginsberg, a film, video and media studies major. “The blind date with a book concept makes it easier because you know what the core fundamentals [are] without focusing on titles or summaries.

“And I love the fundraiser because it encourages children to read, and that is very important for their future success.” 

Community support

The College of Education and Human Development would like to acknowledge the following organizations, which donated books to the fundraiser: Friends of the Kalamazoo Public Library Bookstore, Grand Rapids Public Library, Kent District Library (Byron Township, Caledonia Township, Grandville and Wyoming branches), as well as Western Michigan University faculty, staff and students.

“We would like to thank those who donated and bought books during the fundraiser,” says Dinehart. “With everyone’s support, Read and Write Kalamazoo will be able to serve more in our community.”

Learn more about Read and Write Kalamazoo online.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.