Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce aligns with Million Book Read

Million Book Read scheduled to stop in Columbus January 28

The Million Book Read is an international literacy pledge campaign designed to motivate into action adults taking time to read with children. The goal is to confirm 1 million participants reading with kids Super Bowl week.

Through its Partners In Education program, the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce aligns with the Million Book Read mission to encourage reading as an activity in the household by promoting fun learning through literacy programs and activities. Working with event co-founder and Columbus native, Jeff Buchanan, Columbus has been confirmed as an official Million Book Read event stop on the road to the Super Bowl.

The intent of the Million Book Read is to encourage Columbus area families to read together with their children. Though literacy is important, many families do not routinely take time to read together in the home. Without a focused commitment to reading, many children begin their lives at a disadvantage.

To spread the word about this campaign against illiteracy, notable celebrities, government leaders and business leaders will be confirmed to visit area schools to read a book with students on event day. Parents will be invited to attend and encouraged to take the Million Book Read pledge. Working through several school districts, area schools will be encouraged to participate.

Two-time NFL Super Bowl Champion, Darrin Smith, will make visits to area schools, to promote the importance of reading in support of the Million Book Read.

Known as “Mr. Triple Double”, Smith is the only player in the history of the National Football League to have earned Two NCAA National Championships, Two Super Bowl Rings and a MBA.

A champion, role model and community leader, Darrin Smith enjoyed a successful 12-year career with the National Football League. As a starting linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys, Smith earned two Super Bowl rings. He also had exciting seasons as a starter with the Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints.

While humbled by his on-field accomplishments, Smith finds his most rewarding victories through a cause committed to today’s youth. His personal passion for supporting literacy led him, in 1999, to establish the Project 59 Race for Reading Foundation, which helps children discover their potential and power through reading.

For more than 10 years, Race for Reading has worked with thousands of children from Seattle, New Orleans, Atlanta and Miami. As a player who entered the NFL after having earned an MBA, Smith recognizes the importance of balancing education and athletics. The Miami native received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters of Business Administration, all while playing football at the University of Miami, where, as a starting linebacker, he helped his team win two Division I NCAA National Championships. Smith is also an inductee into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame and is a devoted husband and proud father of two children.

In 2010, Smith's commitment to children expanded to include an international literacy campaign — The Million Book Read. The Million Book Read is designed to encourage adults to invest time reading with youth during the week of the Super Bowl. Commencing at Super Bowl XLV in February 2011, the Million Book Read is confirmed through 2021.

For more information on the Million Book Read and to pledge that you will read with a child, go to www.millionbookread.com .

For information regarding the Million Book Read Event – contact: