25 Nov Kate & Justin Rose Foundation helps Orlando student share love of reading
November 25, 2013
By Sara Moores, PGA TOUR staff
ORLANDO, Fla.- The dream began in the heart of a second grader who loved to read.
And Tyler Davis wanted to share that love of books with everyone else at Lancaster Elementary in Orlando.
“Reading books lets me go on adventures,” the 10-year-old explained.
So he spent the whole school year collecting books with the goal of getting at least two or three for each student. His family and friends helped, too. But after going to rummage sales and every other place he could think of Tyler came up 400 books short.
That’s when the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation came to the rescue. A few days before school ended in June, the Foundation took Tyler to Barnes & Noble to pick out the final 400 books.
“When we heard about what this young man was trying to do, and how hard he had worked, we knew we had to help him out,” Foundation president Kate Rose said. “For him to care so much about his friends, and wanting them to share his love of books, we couldn’t turn away from that.”
On Saturday, Tyler and his family again met Kate and her husband Justin, the reigning U.S. Open champion, at Barnes & Noble — this time for a special event hosted by the mega-bookstore. Every year, Barnes & Noble picks a charity to support and this year, they again partnered with the Foundation to help support Tyler’s mission for a book drive and celebration.
The Book Drive, which runs throughout November and December, has already resulted in over 800 books being donated by generous patrons. And the Foundation will receive a portion of the proceeds when orders are place on-line or in stores between Nov. 23-28 using the code: BOOKFAIR ID: 11237880.
Saturday afternoon was filled with a variety of activities like face painting and Kate’s reading of “Twas the Night before Christmas.” Fans also could get photos and autographs from Kate and Justin, as well as his instructor, Sean Foley.
Tyler is one of 1,600 children currently being supported by the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation through various programs in the Orlando area, including Blessings in a Backpack, Book Trust and other programs in elementary schools.
And Tyler is an inspiration, not only to his classmates, but to the adults who are touched by the generous spirit that shines through in his quick smile and his passion for books and reading that he shares with anyone willing to listen.
So what did Tyler think about all of the attention on Saturday? Well, it was fine by him because he’s started yet another mission — collecting clothes and shoes for classmates that don’t have any.
For more information about the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation go to kjrosefoundation.org.
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