Written by Denise Gary
Photographs © Bruce Matsunaga
I have had my head buried in intense grant writing and program development for the past couple of months, so I am lagging behind on posting KNTR news and happenings. I think it is time I catch up on things, starting with the bodacious party Hero Comics threw for us.
Erin Barragan and Todd Schumann of Hero Comics © Bruce Matsunaga
This was such a super cool day! Shop owner Erin Barragan and manager Todd Schumann saw to it that ALL of their comic book racks were moved to the back of the store to make room for many of the valley’s most talented artists, all of whom donated their time and talent to benefit KNTR.
Not only did the artists draw most of the day to help Kids Need to Read, but superheroes from Arizona Avengers and Justice League Arizona flocked to support our cause. Sometimes, you just have to “marvel” at the kindness of others!
There was even a covert drop in mission staged by Mandalorian Mercs!
The room was filled – and I do mean filled – with community supporters all day long!
The artists drew sketches for $5 donations, delivering an astounding total of $693 raised by the end of the day!
Of course, we were there to hand out KNTR backpacks to the kids (sponsored by Bookmans Entertainment Exchange), Highlights magazines to the youngsters (sponsored by Highlights for Children, Inc.), and books to the teens.
Hero Comics put KNTR right up front, so all of the visitors could learn about our cause.
Bruce Matsunaga, Debbie Brown, Jeffrey Huff, and Marianne Luskey © Bruce Matsunaga
This girl wrote in her notebook, “Reading is fun.”
Beetleman agreed!
Kids Need to Read Day at Hero Comics was high energy and so much fun – a testament to the good folks at Hero Comics, all of the generous artists and costumers who came out to help, and the wonderful community of Phoenix, which so warmly embraces the cause of childhood literacy. We sincerely thank you all!
Please take a moment to see more of Bruce Matsunaga’s fantastic photographs of Hero Comics Presents: Kids Need to Read Day! They are very cool!
