by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Learn to Read and local attorney Roger Dodd were both recently winners, but in very different respects.
The local nonprofit educational program dedicated to adult literacy in reading, writing, math and problem-solving skills recently received reaccreditation from ProLiteracy America, the U.S. Programs Division of the worldwide organization that supports local literacy programs on local levels.
The process took around a year said Heather Corey, executive director of Learn to Read Jacksonville, and is a strenuous process that includes evaluating 16 different standards by staff and volunteers.
The three-step process includes an organizational self-assessment, improvement plan development and demonstration that the organization meets and exceeds standard.
Though it takes effort, Corey said the process is beneficial in many ways.
“It actually makes you see where you might have shortcomings,” she said. “Or it shows you areas where you are pretty good, so you can dedicate more time to other areas that might be lacking.”
Additionally, the reaccreditation affirms to volunteers, supporters and investors the work Learn to Read Jacksonville accomplishes and shows a level of organizational accountability.
While the organization itself earned the prestigious distinction, Dodd, a partner at Spohrer & Dodd, also earned one as recent winner of Learn to Read’s annual “Kiss the Pig for Literacy” kickoff.
His prize for raising the most money — more than $16,000 — among six Jacksonville notable faces was a date with “Oscar Meyer” the pig for a kiss at home plate during Sunday’s Jacksonville Suns baseball game in front of thousands.
He didn’t mind a bit, though.
“It’s a great charity and they do a lot of good work on a tight budget,” said Dodd, who has supported the organization through various events in the past.
As for the kiss itself?
“In theory, pigs seem to be smooth and clean ... it didn’t seem so bad,” he said, then added with a laugh: “But, it was the hairiest pig I’ve ever seen.”
He landed the kiss on top of the pig’s head, much to what he believes is the delight of others in the legal community who stepped up to ensure that he’d be the lucky smoocher.
“Lawyers, especially trial lawyers, have a bad reputation sometimes,” said Dodd. “When they see a good cause, though, they’re going to do what they can to help.”
Dodd joked that some of his peers might have contributed additional donations due to the recent swine flu scare, but added the entire event was fun and he looked forward to helping the organization in the future.
The annual campaign raised more than $30,000, short of its $45,000 goal, but still good despite the economic downturn, said Corey. The organization will continue to raise funds through a series of happy hours and wine tastings throughout the summer.
For more information on Learn to Read Jacksonville, go to www.learntoreadinc.org.
356-2466