WARSAW – Operation Read, previously known as Kosciusko Literacy Services, completed its first annual Cutest Reader Contest earlier this week.
Operation Read is a non-profit organization providing books, tutoring and resources for adults and children in poverty.
The contest included nine age categories including one for those reading to their pets.
“Creating the platform online made it easier for entrants to register and vote from all over the United States,” said DeeAnna Muraski, executive director of Operation Read.
“We were happy with the awareness of our programs we were able to generate locally and nationally due to the contest,” Muraski added.
All proceeds from the contest benefit Operation Read and the books to mothers of newborns, memory/puzzle books to senior citizens, books to children in poverty aged birth to five and incentives for children’s reading programs.
The Grand Prize Winner who had the highest number of votes overall was Brystal Bower.
Brystal will receive $125.00 in Meijer’s gift cards, a $25.00 Starbucks gift card, a $20 Barnes and Noble gift card, a cozy soft reading blanket, a stuffed animal, a picture frame engraved with “Cutest Reader: Grand Prize Winner,” and seven books.
There were also prizes for each category and the runner-up in each category.
Check Operation Read’s Facebook and web page to see the future dates of this fundraiser. “We appreciate all the support and encouragement we received for this fundraiser and what we do for the community,” said Cheryl Avery, Operation Read Board President.
