(April 23, 2024) TAMPA, Fla. – Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF), a non-profit dedicated to strengthening public education and empowering students to succeed, and Old Republic Title, an insurance industry leader with over 100 years of service, are proud to announce an upcoming Book Fair at Chiaramonte Elementary School on April 26, 2024. This event aims to inspire young learners and promote literacy as a foundational skill for success.
At the fair, Chiaramonte students will receive personalized tote bags, thoughtfully pre-stuffed with school supplies to support their learning endeavors. Moreover, they will have the chance to “shop” for at least 4 free books, selecting from an assortment of diverse titles to expand their literary horizons and cultivate a lifelong love for reading. Old Republic Title will also be presenting a $25,000 check in support of the school.
“Early literacy is a crucial element in a child’s holistic growth, laying the groundwork not just for academic achievement but also for success later on in life,” said Anna Corman, Interim CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation. “We’re honored to join forces with Old Republic Title on an event like this, which will help instill a love for reading that will empower students to unlock their full potential.”
“We firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities and are thrilled to partner with Hillsborough Education Foundation to host this impactful event,” said Carolyn Monroe, President & CEO of Old Republic Title. “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to making a positive difference for students in Hillsborough County.”
The Book Fair comes at a time when third grade reading proficiency in the Tampa Bay area has dropped from 50.47% in 2023 to 47.7% in 2024, a concerning figure. A failure to read proficiently by the end of third grade has been linked to higher rates of school dropout and diminished lifetime earnings, as reported in the landmark 2010 study, “Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters,” published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
What: Book Fair
Where: Chiaramonte Elementary School – 6001 S Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33611
When: April 26, 2024 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; check presentation will be at 10:00 a.m.
Who: Laura Grucza, Director of Development for HEF, will be joined by Carolyn Monroe, President & CEO of Old Republic Title, Cheryl A. Jones, EVP Chief Community Development Director for Old Republic Title, along with members of the School Board of Hillsborough County and the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
Members of the media are invited to join us for this event. Please contact Colin Higgins, Director of Communications for HEF at 813-525-0522 for more information.
About Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
For over 100 years, Old Republic Title has helped Americans protect their property rights while providing peace of mind for one of the biggest investments homeowners will make. We work closely with title agents, real estate professionals, lenders, and industry experts to secure safe and efficient real estate transactions. We provide comprehensive title and escrow products and services for individuals, business, and government. Learn more at www.OldRepublicTitle.com.
About Hillsborough Education Foundation
Established in 1987, Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) is a nonprofit focused on strengthening public education by supporting teachers and empowering students to achieve academic and personal success. Together with our community partners, HEF strategically invests in initiatives that impact teaching quality, increase graduation rates and build equity in education—bolstering a thriving workforce of tomorrow and the sustainable prosperity of Tampa Bay. Learn more at EducationFoundation.com.
