Wisconsin Child Raises Funds for Reach Out and Read
Rose Gharabeilou first became familiar with Reach Out and Read when she visited ThedaCare Physicians at Encircle Health in Appleton for her 6 month to-5-year-old well-child visits. It was during these visits that the now 10-year-old found an added joy in reading.
“Each time during our routine visits, my sister and I would receive books from our doctor, and I would always look forward to those visits,” said Gharabeilou. “Those visits taught me that there are different ways to encourage children to read.”
Lachin Hajhosseini, Gharabeilou’s mother and family practice doctor at ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton North, saw the significance Reach Out and Read had on her.
“It reinforced her love of reading in a powerful and fun way,” said Hajhosseini.
Four years after she ‘graduated’ from the Reach Out and Read program, Gharabeilou decided to give back to the nonprofit that impacted her.
When Gharabeilou was looking for options to help other children for her ninth birthday, she decided on Reach Out and Read “because reading makes me happy, and I wanted to share the joy of reading with other children.”
Instead of presents for her birthday, she asked her friends and family to help support Reach Out and Read through her fundraising page.
“The process was fast, easy, and secure,” she said. “My goal was to raise $300, but I exceeded my goal and raised $323!”
Hajhosseini could not be prouder of her daughter.
“I am very proud of Rose,” said Hajhosseini. “It made my heart smile when I saw the spark in her eyes while she wrote heartfelt thank you notes on her fundraising page.”
Gharabeilou’s birthday gift provided Reach Out and Read at 32 well-child visits.
- Learn about ways to give to Reach Out and Read here.