United Way Partners with Malcolm Mitchell for Reading Rallies

SAVANNAH, GA (October 17, 2023) – United Way of the Coastal Empire is proud to partner with University of Georgia football great and New England Patriots Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Mitchell and his Share the Magic Foundation to bring Reading Rallies to all second graders in our four-county region on October 17 & 18 thanks to local school system leadership, literacy advocates, and many donors.

“Malcolm is a dynamic speaker, and our hope is these Reading Rallies will inspire students to read to help set them on a path to success,” said Brynn Grant, United Way of the Coastal Empire President & CEO. “We are grateful for the strong support of our local school systems and generous donors who helped make these rallies a reality in our region.”

The Reading Rallies kicked off in Effingham County and Chatham County on October 17 and will continue the following day with two rallies in Bryan County and another in Liberty County.

The Reading Rally is an hour-long program that combines a traditional author’s visit and a high-energy pep rally with Malcolm Mitchell. Through an innovative reading experience with a real magician, students receive one of Malcolm’s books – “The Magician’s Hat.” Schools will also receive a Teacher’s Guide and an animated video of Malcolm reading the book for continued classroom engagement.

“A solid foundation in reading is paramount to a student’s success,” said Malcolm Mitchell. “Through Share the Magic Foundation’s partnership with United Way of the Coastal Empire, we are able to ensure that every second-grade student in the Savannah area has the right to be able to open a book and discover the magic of reading.”

These Reading Rallies are part of United Way of the Coastal Empire’s READ UNITED initiative, which is a year-round series of programs aimed at improving early language and literacy for all children throughout Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties.