Kansas City, MO -- Lead to Read KC announces its first-ever Kansas City Reads Business Breakfast, planned for Thursday, April 24, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at The Medallion Theater, Park 39 Offices, located at 300 East 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Hallmark is supporting the event as presenting sponsor.

“With only 21% of Kansas City students reading on grade level by the end of third grade, we know literacy is much more than just a school issue. It is a workforce, health, economic and overall community issue,” says Rhea M. LeGrande, Executive Director of Lead to Read KC. “Our inaugural Kansas City Reads event brings business leaders together to engage in real conversations and collective action around how we move forward, together.”

The event opens with remarks from Dr. Jennifer Collier, Superintendent, Kansas City Public Schools and will feature a panel of local experts who will delve into how we can expand literacy for every child in Kansas City: 

• Sly James, Jr., Former Mayor of Kansas City, MO

• Michelle Wimes, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Children's Mercy Kansas City

• Paul D. Fischer, Chief Operating Officer, Burns & McDonnell

• Shawn Creger, Principal Financial Advisor, Creger Wealth Management, Edward Jones and Lead to Read KC Board Member

Two community champions will also be honored for their commitment to building a stronger and more literate future for Kansas City:

• Reading Mentor Honoree: Len Jennings, Sports Director at KMBC 9

• Community Partner Honoree: Chris Goode, Founder of Ruby Jean’s Juicery

More information about the event is available at https://leadtoreadkc.org/kcreads.

About Lead to Read KC: