Books On Tap a Major Success!

Thanks to all who attended our 7th annual Books On Tap happy hour networking event on September 13th at the River Market Event Place! You helped us raise $12,065(!) to support our mission of incorporating books into pediatric care and giving families the tools they need to improve kindergarten readiness.

Local businesses, restaurants and breweries really came through for ROR-KC, making the event unforgettable. From Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang shrimp to Chipotle’s burritos, Schlotzsky’s sandwiches, Blue Sake’s Sushi and Donutology’s treats to beer from Boulevard, Casual Animal and the Big Rip, guests had a real feast. Hot 103 Jamz’s Lady T did a great job as emcee, and Airstream Lounge KC’s photo booth was a hit!

We had a silent auction for the first time this year, along with a raffle, and the unique items – including a chance to design a ROR-KC “cause” blend at the Roasterie – made this a one-of-a-kind event.

Congratulations and thank you to our generous guests, sponsors and donors, as well as the hard-working Books On Tap committee for a fun, successful event!

See you next year!

Click here to see the full photo gallery, courtesy of Jessica Janasz Photography.

ROR-KC Welcomes New Communications Coordinator

Marianne with her husband Richard, and their son, Eddie

Reach Out and Read Kansas City is happy to welcome our new Communications Coordinator, Marianne Sharp. Marianne has spent 20 years in journalism, mostly at NPR stations. She’s been a reporter, managing editor and bureau chief, and covered state government for many years in California. She’s also worked as a college journalism instructor and preschool aide, and spends a lot of time volunteering in her 6-year-old son’s elementary school classroom and library. She’s very passionate about early childhood literacy and is thrilled to be working with ROR-KC. She’ll be working part-time, handling traditional and social media and helping with volunteers and events. If you have an idea for a newsletter or social media post, please let her know at msharp5@kumc.edu. She also reminds everyone who’s a fan of ROR-KC to follow up on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We wish the very best of luck to Christina Larkins, whose year-long Americorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) term with ROR-KC ended in late August. She came to us with a passion for early literacy and a dream to one day work as a children’s librarian. Over the past year, she’s worked tirelessly as the voice of ROR-KC and as a youth associate at the Plaza Library. She’s moving on to a new children’s library role. Thanks, Christina, for your hard work, and we wish you the best!

Unique Auction and Raffle Items: Books On Tap Won’t Disappoint!

Reach Out and Read Kansas City’s annual networking happy hour, Books On Tap, is Thursday, September 13, from 5-8 p.m. at the River Market Event Place. We’ll gather to support literacy and enjoy appetizers and food from local restaurants and breweries and a unique raffle and silent auction. Check out some of the outstanding items below, and then Get your tickets here!

Silent Auction Items:

Roasterie Coffee Experience: You and 6 friends will work closely with a Brew Master to taste, blend, and create a custom Reach Out and Read Kansas City Blend of Roasterie Coffee to be sold nationwide. $500 value

Antiga Sage Lettering + Watercolor Workshop: Workshop for 8-10, receive your own hand lettering brush pen, get tips, tricks, and practice while creating your own work of art. $500 value

Marlee Hayes Artwork: One of a kind Marlee Hayes Artwork. $300 value

Family Fun Basket: 4 passes to KC Renaissance Festival, 4 passes to KC Zoo, 4 passes to Science City, 4 passes to Union Station Planetarium, KC Mavericks swag, $30 Johnny’s Gift Card, 5 Andy’s concrete coupons, 4 Sealife Aquarium passes. $400 value

Beer Lovers Bundle: 2 passes to Barley Brew Tour of your choice, iTap Beer school for 10, Beer Kitchen $25 gift card, assorted beers. $350 value

Portraits by Christopher Family Portrait: A beautiful 11×14 family portrait with a Masterpiece finish that is digitally painted. Brushstrokes are added to the canvas after printing, producing a perfectly proportioned painting that will last 200 years. $1500 value

Date Night Out: 2 tickets to Alamo Draft House + 2 food coupons, private lane for 1.5 hours at Blade and Timber, $20 Foo’s gift card, Cooper’s Hawk wine tasting. $240 value

Samsung Sound Bar: Samsung Soundbar Series 9 HW-K950. $2000 value

BMC Mattress: Voucher for a new mattress (up to $750) for a great night’s sleep! $750 value

Sporting KC Tickets + Parking Pass: Four tickets to the LA Galaxy game and a premium parking pass! You will not want to miss this! $650 value

Bonefish Grill Excursion Experience: Four-course meal for 8. Includes a signature cocktail, wine with meal, assorted appetizers, salads, assorted entrees to taste, assorted desserts. $750 value

Raffle Items:

I Love KC Basket: Raygun swag, Cityscape prints, 4 Kauffman Center tour passes, Tasty Thai Primal Cry Sauce, $25 Joe’s KC gift card. $135 value

KC Swag Basket: $56 HyperKC T-shirt gift card, $50 Charlie Hustle gift card, KC Canvas Bag, $25 Beer Kitchen gift card. $141 value

Reach Out and Woof Basket: 1 Year BarK membership and swag, treats unleashed gift card + treats, puppy pads, beer paws treats, pedigree chopped ground dinner, pet head gallon shampoo, “must love dogs” print. $333 value

Date Night In Basket: Samsung TV, Popcorn, 2 bottles of wine, Nothing Bundt Cake. $300 value

Me, Myself, and Eye Basket: Final Touch Jewelry bracelet, Hamilton Beach Clothing Steamer, Kendra Scott Necklace, Becca 1.35 oz. makeup primer, Treat YoSelf print, Warby Parker gift card. $230 value

Look Good, Feel Good Basket: 1-Three month Genesis Health Club, 60-minute massage from Element Wellness, $50 Bijin salon gift card. $280 value

Get Fit Basket: 1 month Orange Theory, 1 month MOJO Cycling, Muscle Brownies, Chiefs Jersey – Richardson. $220 value

Hammerpress Goodies: Two large prints, two smaller prints, two stacks of cards, stack of postcards. $150 value.

Disabled But Not Really Basket: Disabled But Not T-shirts + swag, 1-Three month Genesis Health Club, $25 Jack Stack gift card. $115 value

The Royal Package: Four voucher tickets to 2019 Royals game, Drew Butera jersey, Cityscape print, $25 Sailor Jack’s gift card.

KU Basketball Tickets: 2 KU Pre-Season Tickets, $25 Jack Stack Gift Card. Value $225

Sully’s Basket: Koozies, gift cards, liquor, Comedy Club tickets

Librarians Club Member Raffle ONLY: Samsung Galaxy Tablet, Paper Source Card-making Party for 4-6, Final Touch Necklace

Heads/Tails Raffle:— $1 entry (glowstick) Samsung Galaxy Tablet. $100 value

Tickets to Books on Tap are $30 in advance, or $35 on September 13th, and include appetizers, three drink coupons, one raffle ticket and entry into the silent auction. Additional raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

You must be 21 (and bring your ID) to attend. Get tickets here!