by Denise Gary
Photographs © Steve Gary, Bruce Matsunaga, and Robert Gary
Upcoming Operations Director Lori Cothrun, Creative Director Robert Gary, Executive Director Denise Gary, Chairman Tyson Breinholt
There’s a new kid in town! Lori Cothrun, Community Relations Manager of Bookmans Entertainment Exchange in Mesa, Arizona, is joining the Kids Need to Read team as Operations Director beginning late July. Lori is taking over the reins for outgoing Operations Director Debbie Brown, who is planning to return to school and devote more time to her new family. Debbie will remain as a part-time bookkeeper for the present and hopes to transition to the Kids Need to Read Board of Directors in the future.
Lori Cothrun at the Kids Need to Read Geek Prom
Lori has been involved with Kids Need to Read over the past five years in her capacity as CRM of Bookmans, helping to create many successful events benefiting the organization. Her efforts have ensured each event is always lighthearted and fun for every attendee, whether it features Oompa Loompas or mudbugs or holiday cupcakes. Lori’s most impactful contribution has been her participation in the annual KNTR Geek Prom at Phoenix Comicon, Kids Need to Read’s largest fundraiser of the year. The event has been generously sponsored by Bookmans every year for the past five years, allowing all proceeds to benefit Kids Need to Read and its literacy programs for children. Producing the prom requires copious amounts of organizational skill and Lori has always succeeded with grace. You could say Lori has already been a part of Kids Need to Read for half a decade … she is simply stepping into a new role. We are so grateful to be able to utilize her impressive skills and caring spirit for the benefit of the children we serve.
Debbie Brown at Phoenix Comicon
Outgoing Operations Director Debbie Brown has been integral to the founding and development of Kids Need to Read, devoting herself to the cause far beyond the call of duty over the past seven years. There are few individuals who would be willing to make the sacrifices she has made to help get a new organization off the ground and running efficiently—a monumental task for any upstart nonprofit organization. Kids Need to Read would not be the same without her presence, so it is with great joy that we celebrate her continued efforts in support of the organization. The board, staff, volunteers, and supporters wish Debbie much happiness and success in her new endeavors and beyond.
Warmest of welcomes to Lori Cothrun! We look forward to working together to provide hope and inspiration through literacy to children facing challenging circumstances.
