POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — Thousands of South Florida students received certificates to buy books thanks to a generous donation.

The “Read and Rise” program came to Park Ridge Elementary in Pompano Beach, Monday, along with a $2,155 check from 1-800-411-PAIN.

The money donated to the school helps make sure every student could buy a book from the book fair. “On ClearChannel radio stations we want pro-literacy campaigns. Scholastic America provides the book fairs at the Title I school and 411-PAIN provides the funding necessary for the kids to get the books,” said Lonny Anger of ClearChannel Radio.

The students at Park Ridge Elementary were thrilled to receive the ability to get their very own book. “I do like TV, but I like reading more,” said one student.

When another student was asked why she liked reading she said, “Because it’s so good. You can learn different kinds of words.”

Faculty at Park Ridge Elementary were also thankful for the funds donated to their students. “It’s fantastic, and with the economy the way it is today, it’s very difficult finding business partners as committed as 411 is to providing our students with the materials needed for proper education,” said Park Ridge Principal Michael Walker.

The program also went to Olinda Elementary in Miami on Monday, with a check for $2,040, providing the students with the means to buy books.

One student understands that reading also has a practical side. “At Burger King you look at the menu, but you might not know what it says, and you might get the wrong thing,” he said.

ClearChannel Radio and 411-PAIN has now provided $125,000 in the last two years to the “Read and Rise” program.

(Copyright 2011 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) — A South Florida woman is once again asking for the community’s help for the upcoming holiday season.

Essie Reed, known to many as Big Mama, is doing what she does best: ensuring that those who are less fortunate have food for the holidays.

On Monday, Robert Lewin of 411 Pain gave Big Mama’s Team of Life a $5,000 check, on behalf of his business. “This year, we’re giving, in Broward County, $5,000. In West Palm, we’re giving $3,000 to $5,000,” said Lewin.

Big Mama exclaimed, “Wow!” as she kissed Lewin and his associate.

“What I hear today,” Lewin continued, “Is we’re going to have to give to Miami, because Big Mama’s taking this on the road. She’s going down to Miami, so we’re going to support her down in Miami also. It’s Big Mama. You don’t say no to Big Mama.”

Big Mama expressed her gratitude to Lewin and his company, but she stressed the dire need for more donations. “That would help Big Mama out a great [deal], but Big Mama is trying to feed 25,000 families, and these guys right here burst a big hole in [that goal]. But please help Big Mama. Help Big Mama. I need you,” she said. “There should be no starving families in South Florida.”

Last year, 7 News viewers helped to donate about 19,000 to Big Mama’s Team of Life for needy families, and Big Mama hopes to see even more donations this year.

7 News viewer Lynne Eychner is one of the many who is glad to help out. “She’s done this for so long, and I’ve read about it,” said Eychner. “I’m just very, very touched by the fact that she’s made a commitment, such a big commitment to this, and [has been] consistent for more than 30 years, I think. I feel the people that make that kind of commitment deserve the support.”

On Nov. 18, Big Mama will begin to hand out turkeys to the families of children identified as being in need by the Broward County School District.

If you are interested in donating to Big Mama’s cause, please visit http://www.bigmamahelp.com/.

(Copyright 2011 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

MIAMI (WSVN) — Two elderly ladies are receiving assistance from a car wash and generous businesses after they were evicted from their homes.

Monica Rose, 99, found herself evicted from her home when her landlord went into foreclosure, and the bank sold the house to someone else. “If we help people in other countries, why don’t we help out our own?” said Miami-Dade Foreclosure List owner Luis Valdeon.

Luis Valdeon was able to get a judge to give Rose 60 days to find somewhere else to live. Without money, it would be impossible.

Rose is not alone. Teressa Rodriguez also found herself in the same situation. “She calls me and says, ‘Luis, I’ve known you, I see you for five years, I’m getting evicted on Tuesday.’ I said, ‘Oh, my God, another one,’” Valdeon.

Valdeon set up a car wash fundraiser, so the women would not be thrown out on the streets.

In addition to the money raised from washing cars, selling food and drinks, Valdeon contributed his own cash, as did several other businesses. “Monica, here’s your check,” said Valdeon, handing her $5,000 that 1-800-411-PAIN donated.

“Money is the easiest thing to give, so it wasn’t even a thought,” said Robert Lewin of 1-800-411-PAIN.

Other businesses chipped in too. “We wanted to assist them with a donation of $500 on behalf of National Title,” said John Sanchez.

The fundraiser was a success. A total of $10,000 raised to help relocate the women.

Both ladies are overjoyed and appreciative of everyone who did everything they could to help them.

“Mucha gracia,” said Rodriguez.

“Thank you,” said Rose.

(Copyright 2011 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Each month you can nominate a teacher during the first 3 weeks (approx) of the month, then vote during the remaining days of the month. At the end of the month one teacher from Miami-Dade and one from Broward will be selected as the monthly winner and receive $1000. Their school will also receive $1,000. The following month, the process repeats. If you submit an essay and that teacher doesn’t win, they’re automatically entered into the contest the following month. After 4 months, the 4 monthly winners from each county will face-off in the finals. One teacher/school from each county will win the Grand Prize, $11,000 for the teacher and school, for each county!

The submission period for March ends on the 18th, so get those essays in.  Click here to submit.

“We are proud to be part of a program that encourages young students to enjoy reading, and, as a result, get a chance for a better start in life,” said Dr. Robert Lewin, CEO of 411-Pain.

The first Read and Rise book fair was held at Paul Turner Elementary in November. The remaining fairs will be held from January through the end of the 2010-11 school year.

One recent recipient was 8-year-old Nyabi, who ran home telling her grandmother, Glaudia Morgan, that her school gave her money to buy books.

“I’ve seen an improvement in Nyabi’s reading and math scores thanks to this program,” said Morgan. “Nyabi’s school held a meeting for all parents to tell us what to expect and how to encourage our children read more. Richard Garrick, the principal of Lauderhill Paul Turner Elementary School explained that a gift certificate would be given to each student to purchase their own books at the school book fair.” Principal Garrick also stated that for many of the students, this was the first book they have ever owned.

Many children participating in the program could not afford to purchase books at past fairs. “Students would go home with less expensive items like erasers or bookmarks instead of books,” said Principal Garrick. “Children who struggle with reading often have a tough time in all subjects,” he added.

Despite budget cuts, Garrick is finding ways to boost reading scores and involve parents through private partnerships and special events like reading nights for parents. “Nearly 80 percent of our families are at the poverty level,” said Garrick. “Now that students are able to take home new books, reading has taken hold at our school and allowed teachers to set reading goals that further enhance the students’ learning. 1-800-411-PAIN’s support of the Read and Rise program is instrumental. “Partnerships like this make all the difference,” says Garrick. For more information on Scholastic Books’ programs, visit http://www.scholastic.com/aboutscholastic/communityreadandrise.htm.

About 411-PAIN
411-PAIN (1-800-411-PAIN) was founded in 1995 to help those people who have been injured in a car accident. 411-PAIN started out in South Florida and is now a nationwide network of offices that can treat people when they are involved in a car accident. 411-PAIN can put people in contact with an attorney who can explain the monetary benefits they may be entitled to. 411-PAIN is also very philanthropic and likes to give back to the community that supports its business. For more information, please visit http://411pain.com.

“I have seen an improvement in Nyabi’s reading and math scores thanks to this program,” said Morgan, “at the meeting they told us what to expect and how to help our children read more. They explained a gift certificate would be given to each student for the purchase of their own books at the school book fair.”

Many of the children participating in the program have not been able to afford to buy books at the Scholastic Read and Rise Book Fairs in the past. Many of the students would go home with a less expensive eraser or bookmark instead, according to of Lauderhill Paul Turner Elementary School Principal Richard Garrick.

“Nearly eighty percent of our families are at the poverty level, and some have never owned a new book before,” said Garrick. “Now since students are able to take new books home, reading has taken hold at our school. Partnerships like this make the difference.”

Children who struggle with reading often have a tough time in all subjects, he added. Despite budget cuts, Garrick is finding ways to boost reading scores and involve parents through private partnerships and special events like reading nights for parents.

He points to the 1-800-411-Pain Read and Rise Literacy Campaign as the program has made one of the biggest dents in reading readiness at his school. Sponsored by Fort Lauderdale-based1-800-411-Pain, a nationwide network of clinics that has been offering treatment for accident victims since 1997, the program also is supported by Scholastic and Clear Channel Radio.

More than twelve thousand I’ve hundred at risk students in twenty five low income schools throughout Broward and Miami-Dade County elementary schools will be given gift certificates each to purchase new books at their schools’ Scholastic Read and Rise Book Fairs.

“We are proud to be part of a program which encourages young students to enjoy reading, and, as a result, get a chance for a better start in life,” said Dr. Robert Lewin, CEO of 1-800-411-Pain.

The first Read and Rise book fair was held at Paul Turner Elementary in November. The remaining fairs will be held from January through the end of the 2010-11 school year.For more information on the program, visit www.scholastic.com/aboutscholastic/communityreadandrise.htm

by Ellen Crane Schulman