January 3 in Doing Good
Mrs. Georgia 2010 LaLona Richards, founder of Frankie’s First, together with Imagix Dental are on a mission to fight illiteracy in Georgia.
“Illiteracy is the greatest threat to our children’s future. My foundation takes its name from a girl named Frankie, who I met while serving as a 7th grade teacher in rural Arizona,” said LaLona Richards. “Frankie was an eager student who desperately wanted to read, but her family could not afford books. The experience planted the idea for Frankie’s First in 2002, and has shaped my career path as a teacher and literacy consultant for the past eight years.”
Frankie’s First and fighting childhood obesity are LaLona’s platforms as Mrs Georgia. She believes that all children, despite their social-economic background, deserve to have books to read at home.
“We believe in what LaLona wants to accomplish in her fight against illiteracy,” says Gene Witkin partner of Imagix Dental, which has offices and affiliates throughout Atlanta, “and we want to help her cause by providing a collection point for new and gently used books through our neighborhood offices. We also believe that our family of patients would be interested and excited to help the cause.”
The program runs through February 2011. Books dropped at the Imagix locations will be collected and distributed by Frankie’s First to those in need. To find out where you can participate visit www.familydentistsofatlanta.com/frankiesfirst.
About Frankie’s First
Frankie’s First is a 501c3 foundation started by LaLona Richards the reigning Mrs. Georgia 2010 and winner of Georgia Fitness Award. Frankie’s First primarily raises money through “Bootcamp for Books” a program that Mrs. LaLona and other degreed fitness professionals offer in Buckhead. “Bootcamp for Books” meets several times a day at IQ Fitness – 100 % of all profits go to the Foundation. To learn more visit www.iqfitness.net.
