Looking for a great way the family can get out, maintain social-distancing, and support a good cause this spring?
The Storybook Breakfast, presented by Murfreesboro Medical Center Pediatrics and ENT on April 17, is a fabulous way to do just that. This year’s event features an outdoor venue at Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village, no-contact photo ops with beloved children’s literature characters, an Imagination Library story time, and take-away crafts and breakfast goodies for families to enjoy picnic-style on the grounds or at home.
Funds raised through the event benefit the Rutherford County Imagination Library Books from Birth program, which provides a book each month to all children from birth through age five.
“After the challenges Covid-19 presented last year, we are so thrilled to provide a fun, safe, family event through Storybook Breakfast,” says Amy Painter, United Way director of marketing and communication. “It’s a great opportunity to give towards a wonderful literacy cause and celebrate the love of reading as a community.”
“The health of participants is our priority at this event,” Painter adds. “So we are taking steps to make this both a fun and safe outing for families. The check-in process will be touchless, hand sanitizer will be available at each check-in table, physical guides such as signage and ground markers will be used to promote safe distancing, and multiple registration tables will be setup to prevent over-crowding.”
While some table seating will be provided, families are encouraged to bring their own blankets and folding chairs to the event to ensure social-distancing. Masks for all attendees two and older are required (other than when eating and being a safe distance from other households), and hand sanitizer will be available for all.
Breakfast items from Chick-fil-a and Dunkin’ Donuts will be served in creative take-away containers, including the popular donut icing kit.
Seatings for the breakfast will be held at two times: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tickets for the event are $15 per person, with a $60 household maximum, and can be purchased at yourlocaluw.org/storybook.
2021 Sponsors
United Way is grateful to sponsors Murfreesboro Medical Clinic Pediatrics and ENT, Republic Services; Dr. James E. and Mrs. Beverly R. Calder; Talbott Law, Estate and Business Planning; Dr. Lana Seviers; MTSU College of Education; Bryan Nale of Iberiabank Mortgage; Dr. Jill Austin; Murfree and Goodman | PLLC; Smart Bank; The Avenue Murfreesboro; The Learning Zone; Ingram Content Group; Redstone Federal Credit Union; Wilson Bank and Trust; State Farm | Andy Womack; Dr. B. Joan Boulware; MTAR; Red Realty; Murfreesboro Optical Dispensary; Chick-fil-a Murfreesboro; Dunkin’ Donuts; Fully Promoted; VIP Murfreesboro; and Adams + Swann for supporting the 2021 event
About the Imagination Library-Books from Birth Program
In 2020 the Storybook Breakfast sold out and raised nearly $30,000 for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library at its inaugural event last winter. Enrollment in the Imagination Library program has continued to grow, even during the challenges Covid-19 has placed on the community, with almost 16,000 children enrolled in the program from Rutherford and Cannon counties. The program ensures young families get a solid literacy foundation with a monthly book in the mail from birth through age 5.
Half of the funding for the program is provided by the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, but the other half must be raised by a sustaining partner in each community. Locally, the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties serves as the sustaining partner.
About United Way
United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way focuses on education, health and financial stability – the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done through giving, advocating, and volunteering.