May 30, 2008
Laughter, warm stories and a lovely setting were among the highlights of the first appreciation gathering for the readers in the Screen Actors Guild Foundation's Coachella Valley BookPALS on Friday evening, May 30.
Hostess Kim Waltrip, who owns Wonderstar Productions and is a board member of Palm Springs Women in Film & TV, opened her stunning Palm Desert Home to 30 readers from all six valley schools. National Program Director Jan Powell and the valley coordinator, Tere Britton, presented Certificates of Appreciation to each of the readers.
It was almost like a class reunion as the readers shared stories about their experiences in reading to valley students. Just like any reunion, school group photos were taken of BookPALS.
Cathedral City Elementary
Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreon, Jr. Academy
Ronald Reagan Elementary
Bubbling Wells Elementary
Mountain Vista Elementary
Jan Powell thanked the group and reminded them that this year was just the beginning of what promises to be a growing phenomenon of the Coachella Valley.
In addition to the "Certificate of Appreciation," the party ended with each BookPAL receiving a "swag bag."