Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Ronald McDonald Will Read to Kids in NYC
The View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck will be joining forces with McDonald’s Restaurants and their “Check it Out” reading program to entertain some children. On Thursday August 28th, Elisabeth and McDonald’s number-one guy Ronald McDonald will be at the McDonald’s restaurant located at 427 10th Avenue at 34th Street in Manhattan at 1:30 p.m. Elisabeth will read “her favorite storybook” to a group of children. (The press release did not indicate what book specifically she would be reading).
Elisabeth said, “As a mother and proponent of childhood literacy, I am honored to be participating in this very special event. The McDonald’s ‘Check It Out’ Reading Program” is a great way to promote good reading habits. Between the story and Ronald McDonald, I have a feeling there will be some happy kids by the end of the event!” I wonder if she will talk to Ronald about her recent foray into clowning?
The McDonald’s “Check it Out” program is in its 10th year and gives children in grades K-4 incentives to read during the summer. It also helps gets get ready for back-to-school by “getting a jump start on their reading.” Children are rewarded with a free happy meal if they read five books during the summer. The press release makes sure to point out that happy meals can include apple dippers and milk, I assume in an effort to stave off criticism that they are encouraging bad eating habits in children or something.
The program reminds me of the “Book-It” program I did in grade school which rewarded reading with personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut. I loved the program because every time I earned a pizza, my mom would take me and it was a very special occasion because we rarely got to eat there otherwise.
Thanks to Watching the View reader Vegas for the tip! (Especially during this news-starved hiatus)
The View, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, McDonald’s Elisabeth Hasselbeck
August 27th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
As I was reading this post, I was thinking about book it as well. Funny that you mentioned it.
August 28th, 2008 at 7:05 am
I think that is great! I am a firm advocate on child literacy as well. Thats great that EH is out there doing that! Can’t wait for the View to start up again!
August 28th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Ronald Mcdonald and Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
And who will be wearing more make-up?
August 29th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
[...] was searching today for photos and/or a story from Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s appearance at McDonald’s yesterday to read to kids, and I came across this old photo (above) published on Access Hollywood [...]
August 29th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Good for Elisabeth. I too believe strongly that it is so beneficial that children develop a love and appreciation for reading at a young age.
The “Book It” program is still being used at the elementary schools in my area. My daughter loved earning her pan pizza, and us going there together.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:12 pm
umm, this sounds like a pre-emptive marketing strategy for Elisabeth’s own book!! She stated some time ago she was developing a children’s line for Target that would include clothes but also children’s books. gawd i’m so sick of this woman. even when the show is on hiatus we get too much of her.