Avnet Cares helps kick-off “Read Your Way to the Ballpark” program

Avnet Cares volunteers recently helped kick-off the "Read Your Way to the Ballpark" program through their partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The program encourages reading and literacy among students in local K-5, title 1 schools.

A group of volunteers from Avnet helped assemble and distribute teacher materials for the program, including posters, bookmarks, stickers, key chains and pennants. The materials were distributed to over 300 classrooms for the program this year - reaching over 10,000 students.

Avnet Cares volunteers then joined Baxter for 10 special classroom visits to launch the program. During these visits, lucky teachers received a $1,000 grant to purchase new books for their classrooms.

On Friday, September 19, Avnet volunteers, including Vice President of Sales Steve Wagner, were joined by Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Saalfrank at Ignacio Conchos Elementary in Phoenix to surprise one of the school's 4th grade teachers with a $1,000 grant.

On Tuesday, September 23, Avnet volunteers, including Vice President of Sales Lou Copley, teamed up with Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Thompson at Capitol Elementary in Phoenix to surprise a 2nd grade teacher with another $1,000 grant.

Both players also fielded fun Q&A sessions from the students, adding even more excitement to the classroom celebrations.

Students who meet four reading goals set by their teachers can earn exciting prizes from the Arizona Diamondbacks, including a ticket voucher. To learn more about the program, click here.