11 Dec 2023 14th annual Kiwanis Bookcase Project banquet promotes early childhood literacy

CONWAY — The Conway Kiwanis Bookcase Project banquet was held Oct. 26 at Bob and Betty Courtway Middle School and was well attended by supporters of early childhood literacy.

The keynote speaker was Jamie Ward who has been involved in early care and education for more than 25 years. She is the owner of Conway-based Curricula Concepts, Inc., which provides professional development and coaching to educators and families of young children.

Music was provided by Fat Soul Band and Kiwanian Janie Walburn was the emcee. After Ward spoke, Conway Kiwanis Bookcase Project Chair Richard Plotkin spoke and then introduced the founder of the program, Jim Davidson who is a well-known author and speaker.

“This is our collective opportunity to have a positive impact on children that lasts beyond our own lifetimes,” Plotkin said.

The net proceeds from the banquet will be used to build 50 quality bookcases that will be awarded to Head Start enrollees in Faulkner County in spring 2024. The Bookcase Project has awarded 950 personalized bookcases and a starter set of books to preschoolers each year since 2005. Children also receive a stuffed animal “reading buddy” and are encouraged to read to them. The awards ceremony that Kiwanis members plan to host at the Conway Public Library in the spring will mark 20 consecutive years of the bookcases being given to 50 preschool children per year, totaling 1,000 bookcases.