The Jester & Pharley Phund

Our literacy programs increase elementary students interest in reading - opening the door to academic success. Motivating assemblies inspire students to join a Jester Read-A-Thon that generates the donation of The Jester Has Lost His Jingle books and Jester & Pharley Dolls to local hospitalized children. In the process, students get hooked on reading - raising grade-level reading, test scores, fluency and comprehension while developing growing empathy for others. During the last 23 years, students have read over 55 million pages to help ill children benefit from The Jesters messages of self-empowerment, perseverance and humor. Expenses include the printing and personalizing of each bookplate acknowledging the donor(s) of each gift book and doll as well as the cost of project development, assemblies, communication, goods, storage, packaging, transportation and shipping. A. Reading Makes A Difference (RMD) We bring this sponsor-supported program celebrating literacy to low-income schools. The program helps further educational equity among disenfranchised students coping with poverty, social isolation and learning loss. The school receives three Jester & Pharley Phund educator-developed Jester enrichment manuals for each classroom that complement state standards plus a copy of the hardcover bilingual English/Spanish Jester. A meaningful PowerPoint presentation with motivating assemblies expands student interest in reading, furthering academic achievement and compassion. Support comes from foundations, businesses, civic groups and individuals. A 12th grade college applicant who participated in our program as an elementary student, said that Reading can change your life in many ways. I always want to comfort people who are ill to help them out. This program inspired me. Educators have asked us to expand our focus on social emotional learning so that students and families can benefit even more from the late authors central messages of hope, resilience, perseverance, humor and optimism during this unsettling time. In fiscal year 2023-24, the 14 underserved schools enthusiastically participating in our RMD program read 1,034,274 pages, resulting in 490 Jester books and 340 Jester & Pharley Dolls donated to hospitals in their communities. B. Reading To Give (RTG) Students from middle-income elementary schools, inspired by The Jester, create a Jester Read-A-Thon to raise funds among family and friends to donate Jester books and Jester & Pharley Dolls to local pediatric patients. While the RTG program didnt take place in fiscal 2023-24, we anticipate schools joining this project again soon. Said one former participant about the impact of The Jester: Its one of my personal favorites with a beautiful message of hope and joy. I hope that it helps more children find joy during these difficult days.