The Memphis Grizzlies held their 10th anniversary Read to Achieve Tip Off at Magnolia Elementary School, Wednesday, October 19, 2011. Read to Achieve sponsored by International Paper is an NBA league-wide literacy initiative designed to encourage children to read, not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom. This year’s Read to Achieve theme is Emergency Preparedness.
Magnolia Elementary School was chosen because they read the most books during the 2010-2011 Grizzlies Reading Challenge, therefore earning an all-school assembly.
Nearly 300 students filed into the multi-purpose room to catch a glimpse of Grizz, Grizz Girls and Pinelope, International Paper’s mascot, during a special magic show with a message of “being ready” for an emergency. The students also enjoyed a tour of the Red Cross’ Safety House. During the tour, Red Cross volunteers spoke about the importance of being ready for a fire, but also the basics on how to prevent fires in the home.
Finally, the students listened to the Grizz themed coloring book Be Ready which features a story about our beloved mascot Grizz and how he dealt with various emergency situations he encountered in a day. Each student received a free copy of the coloring book courtesy of International Paper and The Assisi Foundation of Memphis.