PLANO, Texas, Dec. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In its
35th year advocating for childhood literacy, Pizza Hut and literacy
partner First Book are partnering with Karamo, Culture Expert on
Netflix's Queer Eye and author of the new children's book "I Am
Perfectly Designed," to introduce a new holiday fundraiser aimed at
increasing access to culturally relevant children's books in
communities across the country.
To shine a spotlight on the need for diverse representation in
children's literature, Karamo will host a reading event at a
Los Angeles elementary school this
Giving Tuesday and discuss the importance of providing children
with inclusive books and that every child is "perfectly
designed."
"Literacy is one of the most fundamental things we can teach
children, but the importance falls flat when underrepresented kids
aren't seeing themselves in the characters on the pages," said
Karamo. "As someone deeply committed to spreading a message of
acceptance and inclusion, I'm proud to join Pizza Hut and First
Book in their mission to increase access to books that represent -
and celebrate - all children."
Pizza lovers nationwide can help support this cause beginning
today through Dec. 31 by adding a
First Book donation to their Pizza Hut orders, which will help
provide grants to educators to purchase culturally relevant titles
on the First Book Marketplace and allow First Book to work with
publishers to bring new Stories For All titles to life in
paperback. Customers can also purchase the First Book Bundle at
Pizza Hut, where $1 from every bundle
purchased will be donated to First Book.
Pizza Hut has been working closely with First Book to raise
funds annually since 2016, and this Giving Tuesday the pizza
company is announcing its newly expanded support of First Book's
Stories for All Project™, a curated collection of new, diverse
books and resources that reflect myriad experiences, cultures, and
communities.
In addition, Pizza Hut is also supporting the First Book
Accelerator, which is designed to provide educators and parents
with helpful resources to navigate conversations around diversity
and inclusion. Together, Pizza Hut and First Book are elevating the
message that representation in books matters. The two-year campaign
will help make even more books focused on diversity and inclusion,
as well as educator resources, available to those serving kids in
need.
"For 35 years we have fostered a passion for reading. From BOOK
IT! kids who feel that sense of achievement earning their first
Personal Pan Pizza to students who feel a sense of pride when they
receive their very first book to call their own, the emotional
connection to reading runs deep," said Artie Starrs, Global CEO, Pizza Hut. "But we
fear that love for reading is being stunted because of the lack of
representation in books offered to children. Joining forces with
Karamo and investing in our partnership with First Book is a
powerful opportunity to successfully increase access to diverse
children's books."
Karamo's "I Am Perfectly Designed" - which celebrates accepting
and loving who you are, exactly as you are - is now available for
educators to purchase with grant on the First Book Marketplace,
along with thousands of other books 50-90% off retail price.
"The ability to appreciate and learn from different perspectives
has never been more important," said Kyle
Zimmer, president, CEO, and co-founder of First Book. "We
have to actively provide kids with windows into other worlds and
mirrors that reflect their own so they understand that they, and
everyone around them, have value. We are so grateful to Pizza Hut
and Karamo; this effort could not come at a more pivotal
moment."
Pizza Hut has built a legacy of nurturing a love of reading
through its BOOK IT! Program, which has impacted more than 65
million students in 35 years. The pizza company strengthened its
commitment in 2016 when it launched Pizza Hut: The Literacy
Project, a global commitment to impacting 100 million lives by
enabling access to books and educational resources, empowering
teachers and inspiring readers. Since 2016, Pizza Hut has impacted
over 22 million lives through its literacy initiatives and
programs.
About Pizza Hut®
Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), has
more restaurant locations in the world than any other pizza
company. Founded in 1958 in Wichita,
Kan., Pizza Hut operates over 18,000 restaurants in more
than 100 countries.
With easy order options including the Pizza Hut app, mobile
site, and Amazon and Google devices, Pizza Hut is committed to
providing an easy pizza experience – from order to delivery – and
has Hut Rewards, the Pizza Hut loyalty program that offers points
for every dollar spent on food any way you order.
Pizza Hut is also the proprietor of The Literacy Project, an
initiative designed to enable access, empower teachers and inspire
a lifelong love of reading. The program is rooted in the foundation
set by the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program, which is the longest-running
corporate supported literacy program, impacting more than 14
million students each year. For more information, visit
www.pizzahut.com. Pizza Hut is the Official and Only Pizza Sponsor
of the NFL and NCAA®.
About First Book
Founded in Washington, D.C., in 1992 as a 501(c)3
nonprofit social enterprise, First Book is a leader in the
educational equity field. Over its 27-year history, First Book has
distributed more than 185 million books and educational resources,
with a value of more than $1.5 billion. First Book believes
education offers children in need the best path out of poverty.
First Book breaks down barriers to quality education by providing
its network of more than 450,000 registered teachers, librarians,
after school program leaders, and others serving children in need
with millions of free and affordable new, high-quality books,
educational resources, and basic needs items through the
award-winning First Book Marketplace nonprofit eCommerce site. The
First Book Network comprises the largest and fastest-growing
community of formal and informal educators serving children in
need.
First Book also expands the breadth and depth of the education
field through a family of social enterprises, including First Book
Research & Insights, its proprietary research initiative, and
the First Book Accelerator, which brings best-in-class research to
the classroom via relevant, usable educator resources. First Book
Impact Funds target support to areas of particular need, such as
rural communities or increasing diversity in children's books.
For more information, visit firstbook.org or follow
the latest news on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact:
Natasha Collins, Pizza Hut
972.338.7123 / Natasha.Collins@yum.com
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