CELEBRITY READ PROGRAM & BREAKFAST

As a part of United Way of Essex and West Hudson's investment in our community's youth, and in celebration of African American History Month, the Celebrity Read program was developed in 1990.

Attend the Celebrity Read Breakfast Be a Celebrity Reader!

Celebrity Read is designed to inspire our youth with information about the important contributions people of color have made to American and world history. More importantly, the goal is to bring real life role models who are willing to share their life experiences and, in the process, instill a sense of pride and hope for the tremendous potential that exists when people work together as a community. Celebrity Read now proudly boasts over 400 volunteers from a wide variety of racial, ethnic and gender groups.

Young people growing up in today's world are faced with problems in life that can seem insurmountable. Drugs, poverty, and lack of economic opportunity can rob our youth of their dreams for a brighter tomorrow. As a result, every person who has succeeded in life is a potential source of inspiration. No matter what your occupation, income level or past experiences, the person you are can be an example of a person they might become. Your success and your willingness to take time out for them are moving examples of what can be and give them a first-hand look at some of the alternatives that exist.

The young people of today will be the doctors, lawyers, legislators and leaders of tomorrow. They are the ones who will make crucial decisions, identify critical problems and develop innovative solutions. Our greatest hopes for the future lay in what we are willing to invest in the young people in our community today.

As a Celebrity Read sponsor, you will have the ability to provide support to this critical program. Your name or the name of your business will be prominently displayed on Celebrity Read banners, posters, brochures, invitations and press releases. Celebrity Read marketing materials are distributed throughout the Urban Essex County communities of Newark, Irvington, East Orange, Orange, and South Orange/Maplewood using all media formats.