97 example of a program that can be replicated in many local businesses. This is not a school issue, this is a community issue,” said Duda. The kids were tested before and after the program to see if the experience helped make a difference in their reading skills, with the results being analyzed now. If the program is a success, the Horne’s hope to expand it, and inspire other local businesses to try something similar. Chris Whittaker, AMOB Ellenton manager and mentor, could not have been more thrilled about the experience with the program. Chris said: “It’s been awesome to see the change in so many of the kids from the ��rst week till the end. It was fantastic to be ordering t-shirts, backpacks, and polo shirts for the graduation.” “We filled the backpacks with school supplies, and each child received a t-shirt with the Dive Into Reading logo printed on the front. John also announced that for the entire 2017-2018 school year, if they wear their t-shirt and come into any AMOB location, they will receive a kid’s meal for free!” When asked about her experience with the program, volunteer Judy Athari held back tears and responded. “As a conversation starter, I asked my student ‘what’s the best thing anyone has ever done for you?’ He responded, ‘you reading to me.’ I will de��nitely be back next summer to do this again!” Amanda Horne added: “John and I are so thankful that we live in such an incredibly generous community, the volunteers have been incredible as have so many organizations who have helped us. “The awesome staff at the School District of Manatee County who worked with us for over a year to ensure a successful pilot program, donations of books by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County and Sunrise Kiwanis, the anonymous donor through the Manatee Community Foundation who funded the educational books that the kids took home every week.” “The invaluable advice & assistance from the Manatee County Public Library, and The Patterson Foundation, the awesome staff at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Ellenton, the Hernando De Soto Historical Society, and so many of our food vendors including Mixon Farms, US Foods, and many others.” “We want to thank the community for believing that our children are precious, and if we help just one child, or 100 children, we are making a difference that will change their lives forever.”
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