Beards For Books!

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Beards for Books Logo

MAY OUR BEARDS GROW LONGER & OUR LITTLEST LEARNERS READ STRONGER!

Men from across the Lakeshore and beyond have committed to grow a beard to support our littlest readers through our Beards for Books challenge, which runs Wednesday, March 1 through Friday, March 31.

The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door, and our Beards for Books challenge raises funds to ensure children across the Lakeshore have access to a free, age-appropriate book every month from birth through age 5. Learn more about our champions below, and support each of their journeys as part of our Beards for Books challenge. All donations will be matched, up to $35,000, through the generosity of Kay and Mike Olthoff!

Join Us For The "After Shave" Party on March 31!

19 men have been growing their beards during March is reading month to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties! Join us as we celebrate their success and announce the grand number of dollars, books, and children supported thanks to Beards for Books! At the party, members from the Crue will be shaving these men clean! Some have even picked surprise facial hairstyles that they will be leaving the event with!

Location: PigeonHill's Brewer's Lounge - 895 4th St, Muskegon, MI 49440

Time: 5:30 - 8:00 

 


Meet our champions! - Use the tabs to navigate between our participants!

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Matthew Abel

Matthew Abel

Montague Area Public Schools 

Goal of $100 - Supporting 4 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Matthew's Beards for Books Page!

 

Why is Beards for Books Important?

Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. If more kids had the skills and abilities they need to be successful in school when they started kindergarten, they would have a greater opportunity to achieve success in high school and beyond. 61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County 3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. From kindergarten to grade 3, children learn how to read. From grade 3 through the rest of an individual’s life, they read to learn. If students are not proficient in reading by 3rd grade, then they will continue to struggle in school and comprehension, falling farther behind. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

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Donald Baxter Sr.

Donald Baxter Sr.

Retiree

Goal of $250 - Supporting 10 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Donald's Beards for Books Page!

Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. 61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County  3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

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Ryan Bennett

Ryan Bennett

Plumbers, Fitters, and Service Trades Local 174

Goal of $1,250 - Supporting 50 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Ryan's Beards for Books Page!

Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. 61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County  3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

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Walter Christophersen

Walter Christophersen

IBEW Local 275

 

Goal of $500 - Supporting 20 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Walter's Beards for Books Page!

Why is Beards for Books Important?

Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. If more kids had the skills and abilities they need to be successful in school when they started kindergarten, they would have a greater opportunity to achieve success in high school and beyond. 61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County 3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. From kindergarten to grade 3, children learn how to read. From grade 3 through the rest of an individual’s life, they read to learn. If students are not proficient in reading by 3rd grade, then they will continue to struggle in school and comprehension, falling farther behind. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

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Jon Covington

Jon Covington 

The Covington Group

Goal of $1.000 - Supporting 40 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Jon's Beards for Books Page!

Why is Beards for Books Important?
61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County 3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP.
From kindergarten to grade 3, children learn how to read. From grade 3 through the rest of an individual’s life, they read to learn.
If students are not proficient in reading by 3rd grade, then they will continue to struggle in school and comprehension, falling farther behind.
Please join me as we work to destroy functional illiteracy❗️
****👇🏾👇🏾 Facebook takes care of the donation processing with NO fees. Whether you donate $1 ,$5 or $500 every dollar makes a difference. Thank you Thank you in advance.
Jon
P.S. If I don’t raise my commitment my beard is 🪒 off 😢. Please help me!

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Jason Finch

Jason Finch

Plumbers, Fitters, and Service Trades Local 174

 

Goal of $1,000 - Supporting 40 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Jason's Beards for Books Page!

Why is Beards for Books Important?

Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. If more kids had the skills and abilities they need to be successful in school when they started kindergarten, they would have a greater opportunity to achieve success in high school and beyond. 61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County 3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. From kindergarten to grade 3, children learn how to read. From grade 3 through the rest of an individual’s life, they read to learn. If students are not proficient in reading by 3rd grade, then they will continue to struggle in school and comprehension, falling farther behind. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

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DJ Hilson

DJ Hilson 

Muskegon County Prosecutor 

 

Goal of $1,250 - Supporting 50 Children! Click Here To Contribute To DJ's Beards for Books Page!

It's that time of year when I get to grow a beard and raise money so kids in Muskegon County can read books for free. Please help me support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and donate today.

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Rich Houtteman

Rich Houtteman

Consumers Energy

Goal of $1,000 - Supporting 40 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Rich's Beards for Books Page!

Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. 61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County  3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

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Mayor Ken Johnson

Ken Johnson

Mayor of the City of Muskegon, LPL Financial

 

Goal of $2,500 - Supporting 100 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Ken's Beards for Books Page!

Why is Beards for Books Important?

Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. If more kids had the skills and abilities they need to be successful in school when they started kindergarten, they would have a greater opportunity to achieve success in high school and beyond. 61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County 3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. From kindergarten to grade 3, children learn how to read. From grade 3 through the rest of an individual’s life, they read to learn. If students are not proficient in reading by 3rd grade, then they will continue to struggle in school and comprehension, falling farther behind. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

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Don Kalisz

Don Kalisz

Kindred Marketing

Goal of $1,200 - Supporting 48 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Don's Beards for Books Page!

 

I'm raising money for United Way of the Lakeshore and your contribution will help get books delivered to homes of Muskegon kids. Whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps! Thank you for your support.

Why is Beards for Books Important?

Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. If more kids had the skills and abilities they need to be successful in school when they started kindergarten, they would have a greater opportunity to achieve success in high school and beyond.

61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County 3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP.

From kindergarten to grade 3, children learn how to read. From grade 3 through the rest of an individual’s life, they read to learn. If students are not proficient in reading by 3rd grade, then they will continue to struggle in school and comprehension, falling farther behind.

Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not.

The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

Facebook takes care of the donation processing with no fees so please give. 

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Bryan Lambert

Bryan Lambert

The Lambert Family Agency - Brightway Insurance

Goal of $1,250 - Supporting 50 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Bryan's Beards for Books Page!

 

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J.J. Lewis

J.J. Lewis

United Way of the Lakeshore

Goal of $1,250 - Supporting 50 Children! Click Here To Contribute To JJ's Beards for Books Page!

Why is Beards for Books Important? As a certified Class V Librarian, let me tell you ...
Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. If more kids had the skills and abilities they need to be successful in school when they started kindergarten, they would have a greater opportunity to achieve success in high school and beyond.
61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County 3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. From kindergarten to grade 3, children learn how to read. From grade 3 through the rest of an individual’s life, they read to learn. If students are not proficient in reading by 3rd grade, then they will continue to struggle in school and comprehension, falling farther behind. Currently, there is a 30 million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not.
The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door. Help United Way of the Lakeshore and I make a difference ... donate today!

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Gary Nelund

Gary Nelund

Mayor of Norton Shores | Gary Nelund State Farm

Goal of $1,000 - Supporting 40 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Gary's Beards for Books Page!

Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. 61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County  3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

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Michael Ramsey

Michael Ramsey

City of Muskegon Commissioner & Trinity Health

 

Goal of $2,500 - Supporting 100 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Michael's Beards for Books Page!

Why is Beards for Books Important?

Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. If more kids had the skills and abilities they need to be successful in school when they started kindergarten, they would have a greater opportunity to achieve success in high school and beyond. 61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County 3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. From kindergarten to grade 3, children learn how to read. From grade 3 through the rest of an individual’s life, they read to learn. If students are not proficient in reading by 3rd grade, then they will continue to struggle in school and comprehension, falling farther behind. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

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Jay Vander Hulst

James Vander Hulst

ERN USA

Goal of $500 - Supporting 20 Children! Click Here To Contribute To James' Beards for Books Page!

 Kindergarten is a formative learning year. It’s when children learn the skills that will help them adapt and succeed in later years of school. 61% of Muskegon County, 68% of Newaygo County, and 63% of Oceana County  3rd Graders are NOT reading at grade level according to the MSTEP. Currently, there is a 30 Million word gap between children who are read to versus those who are not. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo counties helps our children prepare for kindergarten by delivering books right to their door.

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Bruce Walters

Bruce Walters

Gerber Life Insurance

Goal of $5,000 - Supporting 200 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Bruce's Beards for Books Page!

Dolly Parton is an inspiration to me and the way she gives back and builds communities makes me want to be a better person.  I am participating again this year to promote not just literacy but philanthropy: an active effort to promote human welfare.  Let's together make this world a better place!

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Joe Zappacosta

Joe Zappacosta

Hackley Public Library

Goal of $400 - Supporting 16 Children! Click Here To Contribute To Joe's Beards for Books Page!

I grew this beard (scruffiness) to promote books, but now I'm shaving it off for the exact cause. Would you like to join me in supporting this cause? I'm raising funds for United Way of the Lakeshore, and your contribution, whether it's $5 or $500, will go toward delivering books to kids in our region. Your support is greatly appreciated. Let's unite to inspire change and foster prosperous communities!

Willing to put your beard on the line?

It’s not too late to join our champions and participate in our Beards for Books challenge! Reach out to J.J. Lewis, Chief Development Officer, at either (231) 332-4007 or via email at james@unitedwaylakeshore.org to learn more! Ready to jump in?