United Way Broward’s Women United Volunteers Inspired 500 Young Readers During Read Across America Week-Long Celebration
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, United Way Broward’s Women United volunteers, alongside Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way Broward, and Rita Case, President & CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, celebrated and supported the National Education Association’s Read Across America initiative by reading “All Are Welcome” at Sunland Park Academy in Fort Lauderdale. More than 50 volunteers from Women United and generous community partners, including Rick Case Automotive Group, read to 500 elementary school children.
“Reading opens doors to opportunity, imagination, and lifelong learning. By instilling a love of reading and fostering the curiosity and excitement that every book brings, we’re helping equip students with skills that matter in every aspect of life,” said Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way Broward. “Together with our community partners, we are not just encouraging literacy, we are helping change the trajectory of students’ lives.”
During the celebration, Stanley C. Panther, the official mascot of the Florida Panthers, paid a visit to the children and each child received a brand-new copy of “All Are Welcome” to add to their home libraries and reinforce positive learning environments. In addition, WSVN Reporter Brandon Beyer read to the children with Cannon and Case.
“We’re proud to celebrate reading and support at-home libraries for students through the Read Across America program,” said Case. “Too many children in our community don’t have access to age-appropriate books at home, and we know that literacy is one of the most powerful ways to help children build confidence and create brighter futures.”
To date, United Way Broward has distributed more than 100,000 books to elementary school children Pre-K through second grade through its Reading Pals initiative.
