Rumson, NJ, January 24, 2012 – A special screening of Rio, the animated film, will be held at Clearview Cinemas in Red Bank on Saturday, February 25^th to benefit children in need.  Hosted by Bridge of Books, a non-profit organization that brings books to children who otherwise could not afford them or do not have access to them, this special event promises to be a good time for the entire family.

The fun-filled event will include free face painting, tattoos and goody bags, plus a ticket auction.  The morning will culminate with a special screening of the Rio which tells the story of Blu, a domesticated blue macaw who is taken to Rio de Janeiro and falls in love with Jewel, a free-spirited macaw, and together they have to escape from being smuggled by Nigel, a mean cockatoo. Festivities begin at 9:15 a.m. and donations of new and gently used children’s books are welcome at the event.

 

Date: Saturday, February 25
Time: Doors open at 9:15 a.m.  Film begins at 10 a.m.
Place: Clearview Cinemas, White Street in Red Bank
Advanced sales: $12.50 each OR 5 for $50 (every 5^th ticket free)
At the door: $15.00 each OR 5 for $60 (every 5^th ticket free)

Tickets are available only in advance: 1) at River Road Books in Fair Haven (759 River Road, Fair Haven); 2) by sending a check to “Bridge of Books” along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to P.O. Box 39, Rumson, NJ 07760; or 3) at www.bridgeofbooksfoundation.org.

The Bridge of Books Foundation was established in 2003 in New Jersey and is devoted to providing books to underprivileged and at-risk children, to support literacy and encourage a love of reading.  The organization’s name is derived from the belief that a book, like a bridge, captures children’s imaginations, taking them to new places, and through literacy, to new heights.

According to Abigail Daly, Founder and Executive Director, “I incorporated the New Jersey chapter of Bridge of Books after the original San Francisio-based home office closed.”   Ms. Daly, an attorney, had previously represented children and adults who were involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals, as well as advocating for children within the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services system.  She later left the practice of law to be at home with her children. “Bridge of Books provided a perfect vehicle for me to remain involved with at-risk children while pursuing my love of reading and teaching my children about giving back to the community.”

Many low-income families struggle with difficult choices, balancing the costs of healthcare, food and rent. Children’s books, and the enrichment they provide, are often considered an unaffordable luxury. Yet, according to Abigail, “The literacy skills garnered from exposure to books is vital to a child’s future success and economic stability.”

About Bridge of Books

Bridge of Books was originally founded in 2000 in San Francisco, and later incorporated as a registered 501c3 public charity in Rumson, New Jersey.  Bridge of Books, distributes books through an extensive network of more than 100 New Jersey agencies and organizations serving at-risk and underprivileged children like the New Jersey Youth Corps and New Jersey Reading Coaches.  It is run on a volunteer basis and has distributed more than 260,000 books throughout the state and benefited thousands of children.

 

CONTACT:

Abigail Daly
Bridge of Books Foundation
P.O. Box 39
Rumson, NJ 07760
732-291-4755
[email protected]