'REACH OUT AND READ' PROGRAM RECEIVES GENEROUS DONATION FROM LOCAL COUPLE

LACONIA, NH – Moultonborough residents Bob Lappin and fiancé Gloria Briggs recently made a very generous donation of $2500 to the Reach Out and Read program. The goal of this program is to encourage literacy from a very early age and to promote reading as a part of everyday life for all children.

Now in its 20th year nationally, the Reach Out and Read (ROR) program has seen a revival in the past eight months here in the Lakes and Three Rivers regions of New Hampshire. LRGHealthcare employees and ROR program co-directors Mary Bidgood-Wilson, FNP, CNM and Karen Davis, RN work with publishers and organizations such as the United Way to purchase books at a reduced cost. Personal donations are also appreciated to ensure the continued success of the program.

Every patient, ages six months through five years, receives a brand new age-appropriate book at each 'well-child' visit. There are a total of seven participating practices/clinics in the area.

“We are thrilled to support the Reach Out and Read program, which promotes literacy and a love of books from a very early age. The opportunity to give back is important to us, and as grandparents and members of this community, the health, growth, and well-being of children in particular are near and dear to our hearts,” explains Mr. Lappin.

It is estimated that over 2,000 ROR books are distributed to LRGHealthcare pediatric patients annually. The donation from Mr. Lappin and Ms. Briggs will buy 1 ½ years’ worth of books for the Reach Out and Read program, and will undoubtedly motivate hundreds of children and parents to make reading an everyday practice.

For more information or to learn how you can make a donation to this program or LRGHealthcare, please contact the Office of Philanthropy at LRGHealthcare at 737-1042 or visit our website: www.lrgh.org.

LRGHealthcare is a not-for-profit healthcare charitable trust representing Lakes Region General Hospital, Franklin Regional Hospital, Affiliated Medical Providers, HealthLink, Community Wellness Centers, the Dental Resource Center, the Holistic Health Center, and other community-based services. LRGHealthcare is committed to making health care available, accessible, and affordable to you.

Mr. Bob Lappin and his fiancé Gloria P. Briggs (left) of Moultonborough make a generous $2500 donation to Mary Bidgood-Wilson, FNP, CNM (standing), co-director of the Reach Out & Read program. Pediatric patients Ryan and Jordyn Carroll, along with thousands of other child patients in the Lakes and Three Rivers regions, are recipients of the gift of a new book at each 'well-child' visit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of Public Relations & Marketing
80 Highland Street
Laconia, NH 03246
Phone (603) 737-1041
Fax (603) 737-1027