More than 2,500 local children benefit from day-long literacy-focused program
Anaheim (August 3, 2017) – On August 3, Orange County United Way, KPMG LLP, KPMG Foundation, and Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), came together for a one-day effort to support early education literacy throughout Orange County. With the help of more than 900 BAP student and faculty volunteers from across the world, more than 2,500 elementary school students were able to participate in the Beta Alpha Psi International Day of Literacy event.
Volunteers kicked off their day at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, where they were greeted by: Beta Alpha Psi President, Merle Hopkins; KPMG Orange County Office Managing Partner, Mark Clemens; Orange County United Way President and CEO, Susan B. Parks; Anaheim Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Linda Kimble; Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove Chief Volunteer Officer Sergeant John Reynolds; and the Mayor of Anaheim Tom Tait, before being dispatched to 4 Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove locations and 3 Anaheim elementary schools, including:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove – Clinton Branch
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove – Main Branch
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove – Patton Branch
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove – Edgar Branch
- Ponderosa Elementary School
- Mann Elementary School
- Edison Elementary School
“United Way is thrilled to partner with KPMG and Beta Alpha Psi in support of early education literacy in Orange County,” said Sue Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way. “With early grade reading being such a critical milestone on the road to on-time graduation, it’s imperative that the Orange County community invests its time and financial resources in fun, interactive programs that gets kids excited about reading and learning about the world around them.”
The literacy-focused programming gave K-8th grade students the opportunity to explore the earth’s seven continents by visiting interactive stations staffed by the college student and faculty volunteers. The children participated in educational games and activities and had their ‘passports’ stamped at each station. Following a book reading, each child was given a brand new book.
“The 5th Annual Beta Alpha Psi International Day of Literacy occurred in the place where this event was first held, Orange County California. Over 900 international student members and chapter faculty advisors dedicated one day of their annual convention to work with elementary school students to reinforce the rewards resulting from reading and the world of books. In this event, Beta Alpha Psi members and advisors were routinely surprised by the impacts the elementary students had on the college student members. The elementary students loved having the attention of so many college students. Often, the college students return home and initiate on-going programs in which chapter members work on reading skills with underprivileged elementary students. For many members this is the highlight of their annual convention,” says Merle Hopkins, President of Beta Alpha Psi.
Visiting volunteers donated enough school supplies to fill 200 backpacks provided by the American Institute of CPAs, which will be given to students at partner agencies supported by Orange County United Way. The American Institute of CPAs also donated a book for each backpack and financial literacy information for the programs and families.
NEWS CONTACTS:
Michael Suydam
21Strat 949.981.5008, mike@21strat.com
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY:
Established in 1924, Orange County United Way fights for the education, health, housing and financial stability of every person in Orange County. Through our 10-year community-wide action plan, “FACE 2024” (an acronym for Fund, Advocate, Collaborate, Educate), by 2024 United Way will cut the high school dropout rate in half, increase healthy youth by one-third, cut the percentage of homeless or unstably housed children and families in half and reduced financial instability by 25%. By mobilizing local businesses, community organizations, governmental agencies and individuals, we make a long-term measurable difference in the lives of local individuals and families. To learn more or to join our movement, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove
For over 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove has changed and saved lives, enabling young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Striving to help children “BE GREAT”, Boys & Girls Clubs plays an integral role in its community by providing children hope and opportunity through school age, family support and community outreach programs.
BGCGG serves 6,500 young youth and teens daily at 62 program sites, from “Diapers to Diplomas,” ages 24 months-18 years old, with programs in character & leadership, education & career, the arts, health & life skills, and sports, fitness & recreation. In addition, BGCGG expands its services to over 13,000 families annually through 6 family strengthening programs to ensure that the needs of the whole child are met. These programs include Family Campus Preschool, Early Learning Programs, Academy Programs, ARCHES (Access to Resources for Children’s Health, Education and Support), School Based Counseling, and prevention and intervention services through FYOP (Family & Youth Outreach Program).
For more information about the Club, please visit http://www.bgcgg.org, twitter.com/bgcgg, facebook.com/bgcgg/
About Anaheim Elementary School District
Located in a world-famous destination city, the Anaheim Elementary School District serves approximately 18,500 students at 24 schools and employs more than 2,000 people. AESD’s 22 square mile boundaries include most of Anaheim, Orange County’s largest city. Ideally located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Anaheim is the perfect location to raise a family and enjoy all that Southern California has to offer. AESD is committed to providing an instructional program where fundamental subjects as well as 21st Century themes such as World Languages, Art and Music, Science, Social Studies, and Civic Engagement are taught and supported in order for our students to become responsible members of society.
About KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP is the independent U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”). KPMG International’s independent member firms have 189,000 professionals, including more than 9,000 partners, in 152 countries. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us.
About the KPMG Foundation
The KPMG Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. The Foundation operates on donations from KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm. For fiscal year 2017, KPMG donated $8 million to the Foundation. Through the KPMG Foundation, the firm has spent nearly 50 years supporting and developing programs to enhance business education.
About Beta Alpha Psi
Founded in 1919, Beta Alpha Psi is an honor organization for financial information students and professionals. The primary objective of Beta Alpha Psi is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field. This includes promoting the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems; providing opportunities for self-development, service and association among members and practicing professionals; and encouraging a sense of ethical, social and public responsibility.
Headquartered in Durham, NC, Beta Alpha Psi has over 300 chapters in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand, with over 300,000 members initiated since Beta Alpha Psi’s formation.
