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Read It Loud with Uncle Wallys ReadAThon at Newark Public Library

om 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to promote early childhood literacy.

September 19, 2007 -- Wally Amos, of cookie fame and founder of Uncle Wally's Muffin Company, has asked people in the community to join him at the Read it LOUD! Read-a-thon to encourage reading aloud to children of all ages. The Read-a-thon will be held on Friday, September 21, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Newark Public Library, 5 Washington Street in Newark, NJ.

Reading to children is crucial in developing their love of reading, and Amos chose Newark for this event because of the recent tragic events that made headlines nationwide. The sponsors of the event, Uncle Wally's Muffin Company, has a commitment to give back to the community and proudly support the Read it LOUD! America Foundation, a publicly supported 501c(3) founded in 2005 by Wally and his wife Christine to promote reading aloud to children.

Amos's literacy initiatives have long been renowned. He believes reading makes a difference that lasts a lifetime. "Jails are full of non-reading adults," the 71-year-old entrepreneur said. "The percentage of incarcerated non-readers is significant - 60% - and two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of the fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare."

Amos was National Spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of America for nearly a quarter of a century. A high school dropout who received his GED while in the Armed Forces, Amos received an honorary Doctorate in Education from Johnson & Wales University and has received numerous accolades and recognitions from Mayors, Governors and civic organizations from across the country. He was inducted into the Babson College Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs and presented the Smithsonian Institution's Business Americana Collection with the original 'shirt off his bag' and his signature battered Panama hat, depicted on the original bags of Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Amos has been the recipient of many honors and awards over the years, including the President's Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the Horatio Alger Award, and the National Literacy Honors Award. He has authored five books and travels extensively on the lecture circuit, addressing audiences at schools and universities, corporations and industry associations with his inspiring "just do it" positive attitude.

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