Norma's R2L Fundraiser: Dragons Love Tacos!

Hello, dear friends and supporters!

As the proud CEO of Readers 2 Leaders, I’m excited to launch a personal fundraiser to support our mission of equipping students for success through the power of reading. 

And, if I reach my goal, I pledge to dress up as a red dragon from the popular children's book: "Dragons Love Tacos" by Adam Rubin, as well as sponsor a TACO PARTY FOR DRAGONS for our after-school program students, their families and our staff! 

As you can see, I have already scoured the internet for the perfect outfit (YES, red dragon onesies are a thing!) and I can promise we will have salsa (yes, even spicy salsa! Or maybe a taco boat!) as we celebrate as an R2L community. 

And don't worry, even if you aren't in Dallas, we will be sure to take plenty of pictures of the taco party (in me in costume!) to share if I make my goal!

At Readers 2 Leaders, we’re committed to ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to thrive as both readers and leaders. With your help, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of the children we serve. I hope you will join me in helping make a difference. NO gift is too small, and I promise it all goes to an amazing cause!

With deep gratitude, 

- Norma 

Why I’m Fundraising

As I enter my 13th year with Readers 2 Leaders, I remain 100% committed to our mission: to equip students for success through the power of reading! Why? 

- First, reading is absolutely essential to building a solid educational foundation. R2L exists to help students gain the key early reading skills they need to thrive in school. 

Second, reading is such a beautiful gift: there is nothing better than curling up with a good book - you can go an adventure, learn something new, laugh, and use your imagination. We want EVERY child to have the opportunity cultivate a love of reading! 

And third, we want to empower our students! When children can read, they will truly soar!

Facts & Figures

Since its founding in 2011, Readers 2 Leaders has provided services to 7,729 clients, including 6,852 students and 877 adults.

Current Goals:

Readers 2 Leaders aims to reach 1,500 students with reading programs in the 2024-25 school year and the summer of 2025, with the following objectives:

- 85% of students participate in 80% of sessions for 120 minutes of weekly instruction.

- 80% of students attain mastery of grade-appropriate foundational literacy skills.

- 75% of students meet or exceed their personalized end-of-year literacy growth goal as assessed by the MAP assessment tool.

- As part of its mission, the organization also plans to support 300 adults through coaching implementation and family reading cohort programs.

Our reading programs have demonstrated significant success. In the 2023-24 academic year, 87 percent of students, as measured by Renaissance Star, made tangible progress toward their reading goals.

How You Can Help

Here’s how you can join me in making a difference:

• Donate: Your contribution, big or small, helps us get closer to our goal and supports a great cause.
• Share: Spread the word! Share this fundraiser with your friends, family, and networks to help us reach more people who believe in the power of reading.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity. Together, we can help students achieve their full potential through the magic of reading!