May 28–31, 2015
Phoenix Convention Center, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel,
and Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
KNTR Booth 5078
Kids Need to Read has had the good fortune of being the sponsored charity of Phoenix Comicon for six years! The two organizations enjoy a fruitful partnership with a shared goal—to make reading accessible to all children. Forty-five percent of American children (nearly half!) live in neighborhoods or homes with limited to no access to books—including at the schools they attend—although multiple studies have indicated that literacy is crucial to success in school, future earning potential, and the ability to contribute to the nation’s economy. For this reason, Phoenix Comicon has placed a priority on supporting Kids Need to Read from the organization’s earliest days, playing a vital role in Kids Need to Read’s growth and its ability to impact the future of our nation’s children through access to inspiring literacy programs and reading resources, including comic books and graphic novels.
Kids Need to Read has a fantastic line-up of events at Phoenix Comicon 2015, thanks to the convention’s staff and volunteers, as well as the sponsors, artists, cosplayers, authors and KNTR volunteers who contribute their time and talents to support our organization! We are thrilled to partner with Arizona Coyotes on this year’s KNTR Build-a-Book program with Steven Riley! From children’s activities to nightly dances and creative fundraisers benefiting Kids Need to Read, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please come join us for a geektacular weekend!
SCHEDULE (See More Details Following Schedule):
- KNTR Build-a-Book Program with Steven Riley, Sponsored by ARIZONA COYOTES at KNTR Booth 5078
- Friday & Saturday, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
- Sunday, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
- Free HIGHLIGHTS Magazines for Kids, Plus Literacy-themed Art, Products and Raffles, Handmade Book Buddies, Geeksages and More at KNTR Booth 5078
- THREE Dances Benefiting KNTR (TICKETS), Toss Prizes Sponsored by NEWINS ACCESS AUTO INSURANCE:
- Steampunk Homecoming Ball, Thursday, 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
- Gallifrey Geek Prom, Friday, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
- The Red Wedding, Saturday, 10:00 PM–1:30 AM
- Sketch Off: Wolverine, Benefiting KNTR, Thursday, 7:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Sketch Off: Batman, Benefiting KNTR, Friday, 1:30 PM–2:30 PM
- Star Wars Blast-A-Trooper, Benefiting KNTR, Friday, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM (tentative)
- KNTR Charity Texas Hold’em Tournament, Benefiting KNTR, Hosted by LUPINE ENTERTAINMENT, Friday, 7:00 PM (7 hours)
- Story Time with Howler (Arizona Coyotes mascot), Saturday, 1:00 PM–1:30 PM
- Star Wars Blast-A-Trooper, Benefiting KNTR, Saturday, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM
- Howler joins KNTR Build-a-Book program, Saturday, 1:40 PM–2:10 PM
- Sketch Off: The Flash, Benefiting KNTR, Saturday, 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
- Hero Design—Riley Style, Presented by KNTR, Saturday, 4:30 PM–5:30 PM
- Kids Need to Read Charity Art Auction (Live), Benefiting KNTR, Saturday, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
- Kids Need to Read Charity Art Auction (Silent), Benefiting KNTR, Daily
- Drinks with Authors, Hosted by KNTR, Saturday, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Star Wars Blast-A-Trooper, Benefiting KNTR, Sunday, 12:30 PM–2:30 PM
- Sketch Off: My Little Pony, Benefiting KNTR, Sunday, 1:30 PM–2:30 PM
- Youth Fashion Show, Hosted by KNTR, Sunday, 1:30 PM–3:00 PM
- Howler joins KNTR Build-a-Book program, Sunday, 3:40 PM–4:20 PM
- Story Time with Howler (Arizona Coyotes mascot), Sunday, 4:30 PM–4:55 PM
- Kids Reading Corner in Youth Art Room, Courtesy of KNTR, Daily
- Cosplayer Raffles Benefiting KNTR:
- Arizona Avengers “Cyclops Visor” Raffle (Purchase tickets at AZA booth in Hall of Heroes, Friday–Sunday, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM)
- Justice League of Arizona “Doctor Fate Helmet” Raffle (Purchase tickets at JLA booth in Hall of Heroes, Friday–Sunday, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM)
DETAILS:
KNTR Build-a-Book Program with Steven Riley, Sponsored by ARIZONA COYOTES
Friday & Saturday, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Sunday, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Location: Kids Need to Read Booth 5078
Author/illustrator Steven Riley will lead daily creative sessions for children of all ages in the Kids Need to Read booth. Children will learn how to create their own stories and illustrations during this highly entertaining program. After signing a reading pledge, all Build-a-Book participants will receive a special-edition Coyotes goodie backpack, sponsored by Arizona Coyotes, and filled with a Little Ty Cooney hardcover book, Highlights magazine, signed Howler card, and other goodies. This program is very popular, so be sure to stop by the booth to sign your children up for a spot.
Free
Kids Need to Read Presents: Howler (Arizona Coyotes Mascot), sponsored by ARIZONA COYOTES
Saturday
- 1:00 PM–1:30 PM: Story Time with Howler, Youth Art Room (West 101)
- 1:40 PM–2:10 PM: Howler joins KNTR Build-a-Book program (Build-a-Book starts at 1:00 PM), Kids Need to Read booth 5078
Sunday
- 3:40 PM–4:20 PM: Howler joins KNTR Build-a-Book program (Build-a-Book starts at 3:00 PM), Kids Need to Read booth 5078
- 4:30 PM–4:55 PM: Story Time with Howler, Youth Art Room (West 101)
Kids Need to Read and Arizona Coyotes present appearances by the lovable Coyotes team mascot, Howler. Children are sure to have a howling good time during Story Time with Howler as he actively participates in the storytelling. We might just be reading stories about wily coyotes…. Howler will also make appearances and sign pawtographs during two of the KNTR Build-a-Book programs.
Free
Star Wars Blast-a-Trooper, Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Friday (tentative) & Saturday, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM
Sunday, 12:30 PM–2:30 PM
Location: Star Wars Neighborhood, Hall of Heroes
We know Star Wars fans have a Rebellious streak . . . are you ready to test your marksmanship on a servant of the Empire? The Blast-a-Trooper target range arms participants with NERF blasters and pits them against characters from the Star Wars universe! All funds go to Kids Need to Read, so take pride in sticking it to the Empire for a small donation! Provided by 501st Legion Dune Sea Garrison.
Sketch Off: Wolverine, Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Thursday, 7:30 PM–8:30 PM
Location: North 121
Watch as some of the best artists in comics today draw your favorite Mutant! Take home the sketches with a donation to Kid’s Need to Read.
Steampunk Homecoming Ball, Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Toss Prizes Sponsored by NEWINS ACCESS AUTO INSURANCE
Thursday, 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
Location: Sheraton Valley of the Sun
Gear up for the Gala as we kickoff off Phoenix Comicon in classic Steampunk Fashion with our Steampunk Homecoming Ball benefiting Kids Need to Read in their mission to create a culture of reading for children by providing inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children.
Cost: $10
Sketch Off: Batman, Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Friday, 1:30 PM–2:30 PM
Location: North 123
Watch as Batman is re-imagined and drawn by some of the best local and national artists in comics today. Take home the sketches with a donation to Kid’s Need to Read.
Gallifrey Geek Prom, Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Toss Prizes Sponsored by NEWINS ACCESS AUTO INSURANCE
Friday, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Sheraton Valley of the Sun
Step into the TARDIS with the Doctor and party with the Timelords at the Gallifrey Geek Prom! This event supports Kids Need to Read in their mission to create a culture of reading for children by providing inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children.
Cost: $15
KNTR Charity Texas Hold’em Tournament, Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Hosted by LUPINE ENTERTAINMENT
Friday 7:00 PM (7 hours)
Location: Hyatt Phoenix
Our annual No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Celebrity Charity Tournament benefits Kids Need to Read. $10 Donation required. Unlimited chip replenish for first hour for additional donation. Optional add on after first hour. Cash only.
Sketch Off: The Flash, Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Saturday, 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location: North 123
Come watch some of today’s top comic artists sketch your favorite Scarlet Speedster. Come and lend your ideas! Take home the sketches with a donation to Kid’s Need to Read.
Hero Design—Riley Style, Presented by Kids Need to Read
Saturday, 4:30 PM–5:30 PM
Location: Youth Art Event Area–West 101
Do you sketch and doodle heroic characters? Do you wish you could draw better? Steven Riley will show kids how to create exciting heroes with his simple and successful drawing techniques.
Free
Kids Need to Read Charity Art Auction (Live), Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Saturday, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Location: North 121
The only place to find one of a kind art created and donated by the guests and artists at Phoenix Comicon. 100% of the money raised at the auction will benefit Kids Need to Read.
[Kids Need to Read Charity Art Auction (Silent), Daily, Booth 5074]
Drinks with Authors, Hosted by Kids Need to Read
Saturday, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Sheraton Valley of the Sun
Join our author guests for a glass or two in an informal setting. There will be door prizes and other giveaways from our participating publishers.
Free
The Red Wedding, Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Toss Prizes Sponsored by NEWINS ACCESS AUTO INSURANCE
Saturday, 10:00 PM–1:30 AM
Location: Sheraton Valley of the Sun
Winter is Coming to Phoenix Comicon. Don’t miss our Game Of Thrones Party benefiting Kids Need to Read in their mission to create a culture of reading for children by providing inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children.
Cost: $20
Sketch Off: My Little Pony, Benefiting Kids Need to Read
Sunday, 1:30 PM–2:30 PM
Location: North 122
Friendship is Magic! Come and see your favorite Ponies drawn by some of the best talent in comics today. Take home the sketches with a donation to Kid’s Need to Read.
Youth Fashion Show, Hosted by Kids Need to Read
Sunday 1:30 PM–3:00 PM
Location: North 129
This fashion show for youth is a non-competitive fun time for kids twelve and under to show off their costumes. Every contestant receives a goodie bag and goes home a winner! Denise Gary of Kids Need to Read hosts.
Free
Kids Reading Corner in Youth Art Room, Courtesy of Kids Need to Read
Daily
Location: West 101
Kids can find a quiet corner to read and ignite their imagination.
Free
