Bobcats Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday In Style

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The Bobcats hosted a Reading Time Out on Tuesday, March 2 as part of Read Across America Day, promoting the value of reading and encouraging children to read regularly at home and at school. Bobcats Director of Basketball Relations Dell Curry, Bobcats mascot Rufus Lynx and WJZY-TV personality Jeff Johnson entertained a group of approximately 160 kids ages kindergarten through third grade with their reading of the book “The Cat in the Hat" at Trinity Episcopal School.

Johnson, who dressed up as the mischievous Dr. Seuss title character, Curry and Rufus Lynx also helped to celebrate the 100th birthday of Dr. Seuss that included a rich, icing-filled sheet cake, decorated with the famous red and white swirl cap of the Cat in the Hat.

“I totally enjoy the community involvement and being able to come out and talk to kids,” said Johnson, who added that he has previously dressed up as funny characters. “To give just a little piece of my time and receive the feeling I get, makes me feel very appreciative of the efforts that the Bobcats are making. It stresses the importance of getting to these kids early about reading. This is truly one of the neatest things I do in my job.”

The Bobcats, in conjunction with the NBA, manage a local Read to Achieve program that incorporates a combination of special monthly reading "time-outs,” book giveaways and special guest appearances by Bobcats coaches and front office staff members. The program runs year-round and is a shared community initiative that the Bobcats and NBA work collectively to promote.

“We are very grateful to you all (the Bobcats) for what you have given us and what a great day to celebrate," said Linda Ibsen, Trinity Episcopal School Dean of kindergarten through fifth grades. "Dr. Seuss is such an institution and our kids love reading and hearing his words. We have been getting ready for the arrival of the Bobcats for several weeks, reading as many of the Dr. Seuss books as we can, and obviously we’ve had a great time today.”

The morning began with a dual reading of the famous “The Cat in the Hat” book by Curry and Johnson. As Curry read through the pages, Johnson, in his black and white outfit danced around the gymnasium floor acting out the schemes from the book. About midway through, Johnson took over and continued his antics as the children laughed and smiled at every turn of the page.

“This was a very fun day,” said Geoffrey Matthews, a third grade student at Trinity Episcopal. “The thing I liked most was the man in the cat suit and Rufus, he was funny.”

As the event came to a close, Curry and Johnson recited the Read To Achieve Pledge with the students. They also had everyone sing Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss, which introduced the Bobcats mascot Rufus Lynx and the sheet cake that was served to the students.

“Anytime that you can come out and interact with kids, it’s a positive thing,” said Curry. To see their faces when you are reading makes the entire event worthwhile and it’s something I enjoy.”