History of the Event

The Annual Book Bash was created by a group of committed individuals who were deeply concerned about the future of Pennsylvania’s children.  Launched in 2008, the event was held at the Waldorf=Astoria, coinciding with the Pennsylvania Society’s annual New York weekend.  Numerous appointed and elected officials attended and supported the event, including Ambassador Marilyn Ware, Governor Edward Rendell, former Secretary of Homeland Security and Governor Thomas Ridge, United States Senators Arlen Specter and Robert P. Casey, and Mayors Michael Nutter and Luke Ravenstahl.  The event was an unprecedented success – people clamored for tickets, the silent/live auction featured items and experiences you couldn’t find anywhere else, and the guests truly appreciated the event’s underlying meaning.  The results of the inaugural year enabled First Book to bring more than 28,000 new books to children in need throughout Pennsylvania.

Compelled both by this success and the alarming national statistics on literacy, the host committee pledged to broaden the event to include sponsors and supporters beyond Pennsylvania’s borders.  All of the funds raised at the Second Annual Book Bash will support First Book, a 501(c)(3) organization, benefit existing community-based programs serving children in need and provide thousands of books to children throughout the United States.

About First Book

First Book is an award-winning social enterprise with a proven record, having provided more than 65 million new books to children in need through existing community- and school-based programs. First Book’s programs deliver nine million new books and reach thousands of educators and millions of children and families every year.

Sponsors:

Thank you for your interest in sponsoring the First Book Second Annual Book Bash, being held at the Waldorf=Astoria, New York City, during the Pennsylvania Society Weekend. For sponsorship questions, please contact Heather Steinmiller or Teresa Pipia.  For other event details, please contact Theresa Harnisch.

Please note that event details, including chairs, hosts and sponsors, are updated daily.

To sponsor the Second Annual Book Bash, please make a $5,000 tax-deductible contribution to First Book.  You will receive:

• Recognition of your support during the evening’s presentation
• Your name or brand displayed on event materials to include:
  • Event Program
  • Signage at the Event
  • Recognition on the Book Bash Web Site (www.bookbash.org)
• Ten (10) complimentary tickets to the event.

With your generous support, First Book will provide 2,000 new books and permanent access to high quality educational materials to the schools and groups that serve children in need.