CAPE MAY – Community members and supporters joined United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) at Nauti Sprits on Saturday, Oct. 7 to raise awareness and funds to support early reading initiatives in Cape May County.
“More than 61,000 children in southern New Jersey are living in poverty,” said Mike DiCandilo, interim president and CEO of UWGPSNJ. “We have made a commitment to break the cycle of poverty that too often traps our families for generations. Our focus on a two-generation approach that builds on the success of our youth, individual and family stability may look different in each of the local communities we serve, but our mission remains the same: to end poverty in our region. And it’s a call to action for all of us.”
Nearly $15,000 raised through the event will support in-school reading centers in Cape May County, where families can access quality, age-appropriate books and engage in positive reading habits together.
“Reading at grade-level by the end of third grade is an important predictor of high school graduation, and more graduates will result in a stronger community,” said John Emge, vice president and regional executive director of UWGPSNJ. “Investments in early grade literacy today will strengthen our communities for the long-term.”
Attendees toured the grounds and facilities of Nauti Spirits Distillery and enjoyed catering by local chef Lucas Manteca. Sponsors of the event included: South Jersey Industries, Cooper Levenson Attorneys At Law, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel, AtlantiCare, DCO Energy, LLC, Tropicana Casino & Resort, Nauti Spirits Distillery and Bread+Butter Events.
