THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF RICHMOND TO HONOR VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL COACH FRANK BEAMER
New Event Will Recognize Outstanding Efforts in Support of Literacy and Early Childhood Education
Frank Beamer
The Children’s Museum of Richmond announced today that Virginia Tech Football Coach Frank Beamer will be the recipient of the inaugural Children’s Book Bank Champion Award, in recognition of his support of the Children’s Museum of Richmond‘s Book Bank. Coach Beamer will receive the award at a luncheon planned for April 26, 2013 at the Richmond Marriott.
“We are thrilled to recognize the great work Coach Beamer has done to get books into the hands of children in need,” said Karen Coltrane, president and CEO of the Children’s Museum of Richmond. “Given his schedule and the demands on his time, his efforts on behalf of early childhood literacy are inspiring. It is exciting to share this story with the community.”
Herma’s Readers
In 2008, Coach Beamer and his siblings started Herma’s Readers, a nonprofit organization honoring his mother – a teacher for over 30 years – and dedicated to cultivating a love of reading in young children. Each year, Coach Beamer has donated books collected at a Virginia Tech home football game to the Children’s Book Bank for distribution throughout Central Virginia. Last year, his efforts resulted in a donation of 1,400 books.
While this award will recognize Coach Beamer’s work on behalf of early childhood literacy, his efforts on the college football field are legendary. Under his leadership, Virginia Tech has enjoyed unprecedented success with 20 consecutive bowl appearances, four ACC titles, five ACC Coastal Division crowns, three BIG EAST Conference titles, six BCS appearances, two “major” bowl victories and a trip to the national championship game. The Hokies have finished in the Top 20 in 16 of the past 21 seasons, including four top-10 finishes during the last nine years.
“Many children are aware of sports figures like Coach Beamer before they can even read,” said Dr. Patrick Russo, Superintendent of Henrico County Schools and a former Division I College Basketball Official. “So when someone of his standing emphasizes the importance of early reading, it can make a real difference. Getting children excited about reading makes them better ready for school, which helps our teachers, our schools and our entire community. Coach Beamer’s work deserves to be celebrated and, hopefully, emulated.”
Central Virginia’s Children’s Book Bank
The Children’s Museum of Richmond took over management of Central Virginia’s Children’s Book Bank last year. The book bank started as a collaborative effort back in August of 2000 when the Greater Richmond Chamber and United Way pooled their resources to collect and distribute books.
“We knew the community needed a book bank for children,” said Lynn H. Pharr, chief executive officer of the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg. “And we were delighted that an organization with regional visibility and solid management like the Children’s Museum could step in and take it on. The mission alignment and ability to reach so many people made it a great fit.”
In its first year of operation as part of the Children’s Museum, the Book Bank distributed over 18,000 books to children in need.
The April 26th event will also recognize two early childhood educators with the Regional Preschool and Kindergarten Teacher of the Year Awards. Nominations are being sought from the community for teachers who honor early childhood learning through innovative incorporation of play and creativity, passion for the importance of preschool/Kindergarten education and demonstrated dedication to young children.
The Museum’s Education Committee, comprised of education experts from throughout the region, will select the award winners from those nominated.”The Children’s Museum of Richmond is dedicated to promoting the importance of early learning,” explained Liz Pearce, Director of Parent Engagement. “By honoring the best of Central Virginia’s preschool and kindergarten teaching professionals, we hope to highlight how their work helps children be better prepared for success in school and life.”
About The Children’s Book Bank Champion Award Luncheon
The Children’s Book Bank Champion Award luncheon will take place:
- Friday, April 26, 2013
- The Richmond Marriott, located at 500 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219
- Beginning at 12:30pm
To nominate an Outstanding Preschool or Kindergarten Teacher, please visit www.ChildrensMuseumOfRichmond.org.
Tickets may be purchased in advance by visiting www.ChildrensMuseumOfRichmond.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
About The Children’s Museum of Richmond
The Children’s Museum of Richmond has three locations, CMoR Central at 2626 W. Broad Street in Richmond, CMoR Short Pump, located in West Broad Village at 2200 Old Brick Road in Glen Allen and CMoR Chesterfield, located in the Winterpock Crossing Shopping Center at 6629 Lake Harbour Drive in Midlothian. The Children’s Museum of Richmond has been serving the community since 1981 with the mission to create innovative learning experiences for all children and those who support them that inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers. For more information, please visit www.
