Travelers, Wolves Value Partnership Through Read To Achieve Month
Throughout the month, the Timberwolves took part in honoring members of the community who have made an impact in advancing the love of reading with local children as well as going out into the community to help foster that passion for books.
“It sounds kind of corny, but people that are in the roles like the staff of the Timberwolves—not just the players, but staff—being involved with that reading, to a kid that’s sitting out there, that’s the kind of role model they need,” Newman said. “For me, that’s what it was. I think for people who enjoy sports, that’s a vehicle to turn them on to learning or to keep them connecting.”
It was a month-long event.
The first component was a series of Reading Timeouts with players, including Greg Stiemsma making an appearance at a local school as well as appearances by Wolves Radio host John Focke and mascot Crunch. It also included an all-staff reading day, in which members of the Timberwolves’ administrative, community relations, marketing/communications and fan experience/sales staffs read to more than 3,000 students in the Twin Cities and dedicated about 120 volunteer hours on March 14.
The second component was a series of grants allocated to organizations in the community that focus on advancing literacy. Neighborhood House, AVID and Northern Voices each received grants to advance their missions to go along with a suite at a Wolves game and gift bags.
“We really like that element of the work that’s being done, and we love being involved with you guys and being able to honor Neighborhood House and other partners makes it extra special for us,” Newman said.
