Kids Learn About the Joy of Reading from a Horse!
by Laura Graves, BSLF Southeast Regional Director
The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation (BSLF) helps children discover the joys of reading and the excitement of learning through the wonders of live horses and the Black Stallion books by Walter Farley. Their program is being offered in Arkansas, Florida and Arizona for fourth graders and all states this year for the first grade program. All are invited to participate with again the Foundation funding half of the cost!
BSLF Activities in March:
Treasured volunteers have spent the last three weeks introducing their magical horses to first graders throughout Arkansas. Beginning in Mountain Home, children were introduced to Little Black and Big Red and could not wait to read their book about their new friends! Wal-Mart continues to support this program with funding, and volunteers and store managers hand out books to the children who come into the stores. The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation was chosen by KTLO radio as their Charity of the Month.
In Springdale, first and fourth graders had the thrilling experience of meeting the horses, then books were presented, and the children immediately began reading their new books with great excitement. Sponsors of the program included Cargill, the Northwest Medical Auxiliary Fund and the 66 Credit Union.
Children in Jonesboro were delighted to have the opportunity to pet a horse and then receive a book about that new friend. Volunteers then took to the road to allow first graders in central Arkansas to meet Legend, star volunteer horse, and receive their own copies of the books.
The Black Stallion Show Coming to Arkansas in April:
The Black Stallion Show from Kissimmee, Fla., will arrive in Arkansas in a few weeks, and everyone is invited to join the excitement. The schedule is listed below:
April 17-18 Little Rock
April 20-21 Jonesboro
April 22 Bentonville
April 25 Fayetteville
April 26 Fort Smith
Upcoming BSLF Activities in May:
In May, we will hold the Black Stallion Trail Ride for Literacy, a fundraiser that truly needs you! Please do join us – more information is available on the Facebook page, Black Stallion Trail Ride for Literacy, with thanks to our hosts, Vivian and Anthony Ashcraft.
Our thanks to Starbucks for their support of our programs in AR! They are supplying coffee for three days of the Trail Ride, a gift basket in the silent auction, and coffee for the volunteers at the Little Rock venue!
Horseman’s Roundup magazine will feature the Black Stallion program in next month’s issue, and we encourage you to support this outstanding publication as they keep everyone informed about issues and events of great interest.
Thank you sincerely for your support and for caring about our next generation!
For more information about the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation, please contact Laura or Gene Graves at (870) 746-4500 or laura.graves@bslf-online.org, or visit the BSLF website.
