For several years, Revs. Dan and Cortney Randall have hosted a Read-A-Thon to rasie money for Friends of Padhar Schools. This year, due to Pandemic restrictions, they decided to do it a little differently: Although the group was not able to meet in person, the Randall kids, Ceara, Caleb and Caden, hosted the Read-A-Thon virtually, with some friends and family. They gathered around Zoom to share with others about the schools of Padhar. Those who have participated in the past shared about what it means to help support another child with books and educational supplies. In Charlotte,NC the Randall kids decorated their backyard with a camping theme for the reading part of the adventure. The tent, camping chairs, fire ring accompanied a three tier hammock. Some of the people stayed together virtually to read with one another for part of the three hours. Snacks for the event were based on food ideas gleaned from some of their favorite books.
Caleb made chocolate covered pretzels from Mr. Lemoncello's Library and rats on a raft from the Narnia Series. Caden baked cupcakes from If You Give a Cat a Cupcake. They joined together at the end to talk about why we love to read and to share book recommendations. Reading gives us an ability to travel to different places and to be a part of a greater adventure. Reading can be a friend, especially in this socially distant time. Reading can give others hope. It was a wonderful Read-A-Thon with friends from Colorado, Oregon, North Carolina and Massachusetts.
Many thanks to the Randall Family for the creative fundraiser!