30 May Local students raise more than $300,000 through READ for RMHC-CR

Posted at 08:33h in News by Communications

Donations support children and families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region struggling with serious childhood illnesses and injuries.

ALBANY, N.Y. – Now in its 11^th year, READ for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region (RMHC-CR) is a unique, literacy-based fundraising campaign where young readers learn about the impact they can make on their communities. During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 3,000 students from 87 schools participated in READ and raised more than $302,000!

“We have had a remarkable year, both in terms of participation and the level of support provided to RMHC,” said READ for RMHC-CR Program Director Nancy Damato. “We cannot thank our local communities enough for the role that they played in that success.”

The premise of the campaign is simple: students are encouraged to volunteer their time spent reading to earn donations that will help the children and families served by RMHC-CR. Through their participation, students:

Develop a strong sense of civic participation and community service;
Make a direct impact on the lives of other children in need; and
Celebrate their successes in reading – at whatever level of mastery they have achieved.

Since its inception in 2014, nearly 24,000 participating students have raised more than $2.2 million to support the needs of children and families struggling with serious childhood illnesses and injuries.

Damato, who is retiring from RMHC-CR this month, added, “The overwhelming generosity of our schools, students, families, and business partners warms our hearts year after year.”

Succeeding Damato in the READ program will be Amy McGeady, stepping into the role of READ for RMHC-CR manager. “I am thrilled to be leading this amazing initiative and look forward to growing our impact both within local schools and throughout the RMHC organization.”

The READ for RMHC-CR program is supported by numerous local business partners, including Albany Broadcasting, Apex Entertainment, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Callanan Industries, Complete Network Support, La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings and Décor, Mel eMedia, National Grid, NextEra Energy, RPI Football, Saratoga Springs Publishing, Six Flags Great Escape, Spare Time Entertainment-Clifton Park, Stewart’s Shops, Tri-City ValleyCats, UAlbany Athletics, and Velocity Printing.