Macy’s and RIF present ‘Macy’s educator Appreciation Award’ to volunteer at Phoenix’s Bernard Black Elementary
Macy's partners with Reading Is Fundamental to present 'Macy's Educator Appreciation Award' to local long-standing programming volunteer at Phoenix's Bernard Black Elementary, in celebration of August campaign.
Shari Mauney Burkholder was recognized today for excellence in supporting student literacy during a private awards ceremony at Bernard Black Elementary School>
High-res images of ceremony are available here. [These images can be credited to Rick Scuteri/AP Images for Macy's Inc.]
Phoenix, AZ – August 13, 2021 – Throughout the month of August, Macy’s is offering customers nationwide the opportunity to round-up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar (up to $0.99) or donate online at macys.com to benefit Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) – the nation’s preeminent nonprofit organization for children’s literacy – and help provide books and additional reading resources to children across the country.
In celebration of the campaign, Macy’s and RIF honored Shari Mauney Burkholder, a long-standing educator and programming volunteer with Bernard Black Elementary, with Macy’s Educator Appreciation Award. It was presented during a private ceremony today at Bernard Black Elementary. The award recognizes stand-out educators from across the country who have shown excellence in supporting their student’s literacy and learning, and have demonstrated meaningful impact implementing RIF programmatic efforts through Macy’s past funding.
Mauney Burkholder was chosen based on her tireless support of literacy and education—a practice that runs in her family. Her mother, a school librarian, created the first generation of Reading Is Fundamental book distribution fairs in the D.C. Public Schools in the 1960s. Through this involvement, Mauney Burkholder helped to host book fairs, write grants and record distribution success for tens of thousands of books. When she moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1990 she continued fundraising efforts and brought Reading Is Fundamental to various preschools and elementary schools in the area. In her free time, Mauney Burkholder has served as a classroom volunteer and substitute teacher in various school districts, and serves on the Board of inner-city preschools. She is also a coordinator for an annual Mentorship/Leadership/College Readiness program.
In addition to the Educator Appreciation Award, Mauney Burkholder received a $50 Macy’s gift card and an in-store styling session with Macy’s Personal Stylist, customized school supplies, a new book collection for the school’s library and 250 literacy kits (tote bag, three books, three bookplates and a bookmark) provided and assembled by local Macy’s colleagues. The kits were distributed to all Bernard Black Elementary Kindergarten - 3rd Grade students. High-res images of ceremony are available here.
“We are so appreciative of all Ms. Burkholder’s work over the years,” said Pamela Vigil, Principal at Bernard Black Elementary School. “Her work at Bernard Black Elementary School and with the Phoenix chapter of the Links, Inc. has helped us secure essential learning materials for our students. We look forward to her continued support as we build strong foundations through authentic and innovative experiences to ensure success for every student.”
Giving back is a core pillar of Macy’s values and the 18-year partnership with RIF has resulted in a total contribution of more than $43 million toward children’s literacy and the distribution of more than 14 million books, and 10,000 supplemental literacy resources and tools. To learn more, please visit macys.com/macysgives.
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About Macy's:
For more than 160 years, Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., has served generations at every stage of their lives. Through a digitally led shopping experience powered by macys.com, our award-winning mobile app, and a nationwide portfolio of stores, Macy’s customers come to us for fashion, value and high-quality products. We are proud of our heritage and the unique role we play in American culture and tradition. We celebrate occasions big and small, and have created decades of memorable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows, and celebrity appearances. With the collective support of our customers and colleagues, Macy’s helps make a difference in every market we serve, supporting local and national charities through funding and volunteer service. With fashion, value and celebration as our guide, Macy’s makes life shine brighter for our customers, colleagues and communities. For more information, please visit macysinc.com.
About Reading Is Fundamental:
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is committed to a literate America by inspiring a passion for reading among all children, providing quality content to create impact, and engaging communities in the solution to give every child the fundamentals for success. As the nation’s largest nonprofit organization for children’s literacy, RIF has provided more than 420 million books to over 100 million kids in all 50 states, inspiring generations to read, learn and grow. For more information, please visit RIF.org.
Contact:
Liz Stein liz@lizsteinconsulting.com or Dara Klatt at Dara@8thStPR.com