December 19, 2007 The Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation (SSHF) continues it tribute to Stephanie Starks in the month of December:
The Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation loaded up the LAX Hyundai Bus with thousands of new books for our last 2 major storps during our Christmas Book Donation to 7 schools during the month of December. You ask how do we donate approximately 20,000 brand new books to children in the Great Los Angeles area in under 2 weeks, TEAM WORK!!!! With lots of help from special people like Michael Koper, LAX Hyundai, Jacques Mosby (LAX Hyundai), LAX Hyundai Staff, Councilman Ralph Franklin, Councilman Daniel Tabor, and Patrick McKenzie (MC Studios) who are all apart of our SSHF Team HOPE(TM). Click here
December 2007: A Special Tribute to Stephanie Starks
The Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation (SSHF) in memory of Stephanie Starks is giving the gift of reading to every student at 7 very lucky schools in the Greater Los Angeles Area. We have visited a select group of schools that include Oak Street Elementary, 54th Street Elementary, Centinela Elementary, Kelso Elementary, Hyde Park Elementary, Warren Lane Elementary, and Hudnall Elementary Schools donating gift bags to students that include at least 2 new books in an effort to promote reading and spread a little Holiday Cheer to the students and their schools in memory of Stephanie Starks. Special thanks to LAX Hyundai, Councilman Ralph Franklin, and Councilman Daniel Tabor. Click here
December 12, 2007 actor Lamman Rucker joins SSHF's Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM)
You saw him in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married now you can see him giving back to the community, actor Lamman Rucker teams up with Councilman Ralph Franklin and 102.3 FM KJLH Radio's Adai Lamar to once again join our Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM). Lamman Rucker first joined the tour back in May 2006, we appreciate his continued support. Every student at Oak Street Elementary School received at least 2 new books. Special thanks to LAX Hyundai!! Click here
The Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation teams up with 102.3 FM KJLH Radio for the stations Snow Day:
The Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation (SSHF) added Star Power to 102.3 FM KJLH Radio's Snow Day to support literacy though our Project Read for HOPE(TM) National Inititave. We donated gift bags filled with brand new books to thousands of children during the event while our Celebrity Guest which included the cast of Nickelodeon's Ned Declassified School Survival Guide, actor Lamman Rucker (Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married), and actor Brandon Fobbs (Pride) autographed books and posed for pictures with the children!! Special thanks to LAX Hyundai, Councilman Ralph Franklin and Councilman Daniel Tabor! Click here
December 6, 2007 SSHF's new Project Read for HOPE(TM) Celebrity Spokesperson:
Nickelodeon star Daniel Curtis Lee (Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide) teams up with our Project Read for HOPE Community Ambassador for a very special Read Aloud and Reading Rally at Daniel Freeman Elementary School were each student received at least 2 new books!! Special thanks to LAX Hyundai and Principal Sammie Young! Click here
2007 SSHF's Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM)
Celebrities team up with The Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation to promote a love of reading among children through our Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM)Celebrities while the SSHF donates over 45,000 brand new books in 2007! Click Here to view Gallery. To learn more about Project Read for HOPE(TM) and Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM) Click here.
July 27, 2007 - Nickelodeon's Daniel Curtis Lee & LAX Hyundai
LAX Hyundai plays host to the Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation's Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM) with Nickelodeon's Daniel Curtis Lee (Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Ambassador), actor Rudy Youngblood (Mel Gibson's Apocalypto), Comedians Rodney Perry and Joey Wells, State Assemblyman Curren Price, City of Inglewood Councilpersons Ralph Franklin (Project Read for HOPE Community Ambassador), Daniel Tabor, and Judy Dunlap, the Mayor of Inglewood's Chief of Staff Darryl Brown who all pledged a commitment to supporting SSHF in promoting Literacy by joining the Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation's Team HOPE(TM). Click here
* More Coverage Here
June 30, 2007 - SSHF supports the Leimert Park Village Book Fair
The Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation sponsors the Leimert Park Village Book Fair's Children's Village bringing out some of our Celebrity friends and donated over 1000 gift bags to children with a brand new book thanks to the Foundation's Official Sponsor LAX Hyundai. Click here
* Leimert Park Press Release
June 12, 2007 - Eva Mendes joins SSHF Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM)
Eva Mendes teams up with Fox 11's Niscelle Turner, Comedian Joey Wells, and Councilman Ralph Franklin to join the SSHF's Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM) at Centinela Elementary School. Over 950 students received brand new books. Click here. Also additional coverage here: June 12, 2007
May 24, 2007 - SSHF's Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM)
Actress Nia Long teams up with Comedian Joey Wells and joins SSHF's Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour at Frank Parent Elementary School. Nia's encouraging words truly inspired Frank Parent students! Click here
May 16, 2007 - Sacramento, CA
NFL Star Lance Briggs (Chicago Bears) Comes Home and joins Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM) in Sacramento, CA to promote reading in his hometown, while the Foundation donated brand new books to over 6500 students!
* NFL Star Briggs Comes Home
* More Lance Briggs Coverage
May 17, 2007 - Sacramento CA, Day 2
Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour with NFL Star Lance Briggs (Chicago Bears) Click here to view Wireimage's coverage of the event Click here for More Lance Briggs Day 2 Coverage.
May 15, 2007 - Sacramento CA, Elk Grove Unified School District Press Release Click here
May 2007 - CA State Assemblyman Curren Price Press Release Click here
May 2007 - Actress Regina Halls and Comedian Joey Wells join Project Read for HOPE Tour(TM).
Sponsored by LAX Hyundai: Actress Regina Hall and Comedian Joey Wells team up to promote reading in SSHF's Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM) at Hyde Park Elementary School! Click here
April 2007 - Actor Brian White
Actor Brian White teams up with LAX Hyundai and SSHF's Project Read for HOPE Celebrity Read Aloud Tour(TM) Click here
March 2007 Press Release
The Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation picks up what was originally reported as 20,000 brand new books. Later after the official count we learned there were over 55,000 brand new books! Click here
January 2006
Celebrities and Foundation Team Up to Inspire Love of Reading
On Thursday, January 12, director and producer F. Gary Gray and actor Omar Gooding read aloud to children at Frank D. Parent Elementary School in the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD). Following the read-aloud, each child received a brand-new book donated by the LA Clippers and Random House.
The event was the second stop on the Stephanie Starks Hope Foundation’s (SSHF) 2005-2006 Holiday Children’s Book Drive and Read Aloud tour, hosted in conjunction with the City of Inglewood and Project Read for HOPE™ Ambassador Councilman Curren Price. The goal is to promote reading and literacy among children.
Frank D. Parent Elementary, known for its strong science program, is a small school of approximately 800 students in grades K-8. Its academics are enhanced by the recent overhaul of campus facilities; in January of 2003, the school cut the ribbon on $15 million worth of new construction and modernization. This year, Parent School’s test scores increased by 25 API (Academic Performance Index) points—meeting and exceeding the State’s growth target by 18 points. According to Principal Judith Washington, partnerships with groups such as SSHF are key ingredients to the school’s accomplishments. “Our success is a direct result of our focus on improving instructional strategies, which in turn help to nurture a lifelong love for learning among our students,” said Washington. “Everyone wants to see Frank D. Parent School become the high-achieving school it has the potential to be. Through partnerships with the community and cooperation of all stakeholders, I know we can become a model for schools nationwide.”
Parent School’s goals are in line with those of the Foundation. “Our goal is to promote literacy to children and to encourage students to read outside the classroom, as well as to encourage adults to read to children,” said Shelia Starks, founder of SSHF.
“[Lack of] literacy is a real problem in our country,” said guest F. Gary Gray, who came to take part in the Read Aloud at a moment’s notice. “Instead of complaining about problems, you have to step up and take matters into your own hands.” Gray established an immediate rapport with the children as he read aloud Dr. Seuss’ popular Oh the Place You’ll Go to second-graders from Mr. Thomas, Ms. Washington, and Ms. Boute’s classes. “You can be anything you want to be,” he told students, “and go anywhere you want to go.”
“Reading is definitely the key to a healthy future,” added Omar Gooding, who took part in the Read Aloud as a way to give back to the community. “Parents should find books that are interesting to their kids and encourage them to read as much as possible.”
For IUSD, the read-aloud session and book donations provide yet another avenue towards achieving the Board of Education’s goals to improve literacy district-wide and strengthen school-community partnerships. SSHF became an official adopter last year through the IUSD Adopt-a-School program, whereby businesses and foundations partner with the district to provide services and enrichment materials to schools.
“We are truly grateful to the Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation for its continued generosity,” said IUSD Superintendent Pamela Short-Powell. In April, the Foundation donated 6,000 new books to Warren Lane School. Lane was also the first stop on the Read Aloud tour, featuring Ananda Lewis of 100.3 The Beat, The Insider, MTV, and BET. The next stop is Woodworth Elementary School, to take place on January 18 with NFL Player Curtis Conway and City Councilmember Ralph Franklin.
On Saturday, March 25, 2006, the Inglewood Unified School District will join LAUSD schools and the Compton Unified School District for the Project Give HOPE™ Run/Walk at the Home Depot Center in an effort to raise funds for playground equipment and other school needs while encouraging others to support children, their schools and community.
More information is available about the Foundation online at www.sshf.org and about the Inglewood Unified School District at www.iusd.net.
December 2005
Ananda Lewis Kicks Off Holiday Read-Aloud and Book Giveaway at Warren Lane School
On Thursday, December 22, 2005, a group of children at Warren Lane School in the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) sat down to listen to a story read by celebrity guest Ananda Lewis of 100.3 The Beat, The Insider, MTV, and BET. Following the read-aloud, each child received a special holiday gift of a brand-new book.
Ananda Lewis reading to students
The read-aloud kicks off the Stephanie Starks Hope Foundation (SSHF) 2005-2006 Holiday Children’s Book Drive and Read Aloud tour, hosted in conjunction with the City of Inglewood and Project Read for HOPE Ambassador Councilman Curren Price. The Foundation’s goal is to promote reading and literacy among children.
IUSD Board of Education Vice-President Dr. Johnny J. Young and City of Inglewood Councilmember Curren Price with Ananda Lewis
Inglewood’s Warren Lane School was the first stop on the Read Aloud tour, which runs through the month of January and is slated to visit Kelso, Woodworth, and Parent Elementary Schools in Inglewood in addition to schools in Los Angeles, Compton, Denver CO, and Orlando FL Unified School Districts.
Warren Lane School serves approximately 1,000 students in Kindergarten through grade 8. In addition to its focus on academics, the school works to nurture the healthy emotional and social development of its students, including a significant group who are in foster care. “Our children are wonderful and they have great potential,” said Principal Herbert Boykin. “This kind of positive attention encourages them that what they are doing academically is of value and motivates them to get even more involved in the process of education.”
“Books—they help you learn,” said kindergartner Anaya when asked what she liked about reading. The classes that participated in the event were the winners of the school’s holiday door-decorating contest—Mr. Arrendondo’s 3rd grade class and Mrs. Svendson and Mrs. Williams’ kindergarten classes.
“We are truly grateful to the Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation for its continued generosity,” said IUSD Superintendent Pamela Short-Powell, recalling the Foundation’s April donation of 6,000 new books to supplement the school’s library and classrooms. “Books are the key to knowledge. Resources such as the fine books donated to Warren Lane will help our youngsters to be more successful in their school experience at Lane and thereafter.”
While the April donation provided books to the school, the holiday book giveaway aims to make sure underprivileged children enjoy reading outside of school too. “The goal is to promote literacy to children and to encourage them to read outside the classroom, as well as to encourage adults to read to children,” said Shelia Starks, founder of SSHF. In addition to corporate sponsors including the LA Clippers, Random House, Luna Webs, MC Studios, Home Depot and Sign- A- Rama LAX, books are being collected from community donors at the Inglewood Public Library. “This year we wanted to give the whole community an opportunity to take part,” Starks explained.
For the children, celebrity readers help to bring the joy and importance of reading alive. “One out of twenty people don’t use language correctly,” explained celebrity guest Ananda Lewis. “Reading can get you paid, empower you, and even get you out of situations you don’t want to be in. Reading is how you get knowledge and knowledge is power—which means that reading is power.” Cliff Winston, Blair Underwood, and Omar Gooding are among the celebrities slated to visit schools in January.
“Learning how to read is the foundation of everyone’s educational experience,” said City Councilmember and HOPE Ambassador Curren Price. “It is important to encourage young people not only to read but to want to read as a way to open their horizons. The ability to read well will have a long-lasting impact on their lives.”
For the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD), the read-aloud session and book donation provide yet another avenue towards achieving the Board of Education’s goals to improve literacy district-wide and strengthen school-community partnerships. The Stephanie Starks Hope Foundation became an official school and district adopter last year through the IUSD Adopt-a-School program, whereby businesses and foundations partner with the district to provide services and enrichment materials to schools. “It all goes back to the proverb that it takes a village to raise a child,” said IUSD Board of Education Vice-President Dr. Johnny J. Young. “I want to applaud our superintendent for reaching out to businesses, churches, and organizations. Community involvement truly makes a difference in our children’s education, in their learning process, and in student achievement.”
On Saturday, March 25, 2006, IUSD will join LAUSD schools and the Compton Unified School District for the Project Give HOPE(TM) Run/Walk fundraiser at the Home Depot Center. "We are honored to support Dr. Powell and the entire Inglewood Unified School District, and through our Project Give HOPE(TM) Run/Walk we hope to encourage others to support children, their schools and community as well," said Starks. "The future of America will only be as bright as the future of our children. If we fail our children, we will only be failing ourselves."
Stephanie Starks' Hope Foundation was formed in loving memory of Stephanie who passed away at the age of 14 from a misdiagnosis of Bacteria Meningitis. The Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funds for critical social issues in order to make a positive impact in the community and throughout the nation. To learn more, you can visit the Foundation online at www.sshopefoundation.org. For more information about the Inglewood Unified School District, visit www.iusd.net.
April 5, 2005
Warren Lane Elementary School Elects to Read
6,000 New Books Donated by Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation
As voters cast their ballots on April 5th, a small group of Inglewood's future voters sat contentedly on the carpet in the library at Warren Lane School to listen to a few stories, thanks to a donation of 6,000 brand new books by the Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation (SSHF).
The donation was part of the Foundation's Project Read for HOPE(TM) Campaign to promote reading and literacy among children. It is a perfect match with the Inglewood Unified School District's goal to update library collections district-wide.
And, despite the busy election day schedule, Inglewood City Council member Curren Price, a Project Read For HOPET Ambassador, and IUSD school board member Johnny J. Young were on hand to read a few of the new books to Warren Lane kindergarteners.
Warren Lane School serves approximately 1,025 students in kindergarten through grade 8. In addition to the school's focus on its academic program, it also works to nurture the healthy emotional and social development of its students, including a significant group who are in foster care. It is for this reason, district leaders recently announced, that a "one-stop" intervention center is being planned for Warren Lane-a place where students and families can go for a range of counseling, tutoring, and other family services. "The book donations will assist us in this effort," said Superintendent Pamela Short-Powell. "We will be able to update Warren Lane's library and recycle some of the current books into the intervention center for families to use when they visit. We want the community and children to know how important reading is," she added.
"Over the years, our library has been depleted from use and we haven't been able to replenish it to this extent," said Warren Lane Principal Herbert Boykin. "The added resources will help; the more books you have, the more opportunities there are for students to learn."
Book donations also help to achieve the Board of Education's goal to improve literacy district-wide. District partners, including the Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation, play a major part in helping to make this goal a reality. Warren Lane will be the second recipient of a major donation of library books, in addition to books donated to Monroe Middle School by the "I Have a Dream" Foundation. The Inglewood Unified School District will continue to seek support from businesses and foundations through its Adopt-a-School program to provide services and enrichment materials to schools.
"The importance of reading was instilled in me early, and that is part of my success today," said Councilmember Price. "Anything we do to encourage young people to read, to learn, and to love doing it is significant in helping them to cultivate good academic qualities and practices."
"Reading is fundamental. It is the foundation of a child's education," said Board Member Johnny J. Young. "Children need to know how to read and read well in order to experience success in all academic subjects."
"We are truly grateful to the Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation for its generous donation to Warren Lane School," said Dr. Powell, who was pleased to find a variety of teacher resources included in the donation. "Resources such as the fine books donated to Warren Lane will help our youngsters to be more successful in their school experience at Lane and thereafter. I can assure you that the books will be put to very good use."
"We are honored to support the children at Warren Lane School, Dr. Powell, and the entire Inglewood School District" said Shelia Starks, founder of SSHF, who plans to become an official school district adopter through the district's Adopt-A-School program. "Dr. Powell has a deep commitment to the children of Inglewood. The future of America will only be as bright as the future of our children. If we fail our children, we will only be failing ourselves," she said, giving a special thanks to project sponsors Achieve Internet, Uhaul, Phenix Web Design, City to City Moving, Children's Network International, photographer Leslie Alessandro of Level 10 Photography (R), and Capital Logo Design.
The Stephanie Starks Hope Foundation was formed in loving memory of Stephanie who passed away at the age of 14 from a misdiagnosis of Bacteria Meningitis. Founded and operated by Shelia Starks, the Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funds for critical social issues in order to make a positive impact in the community and throughout the nation. To learn more, you can visit the Foundation online at www.sshopefoundation.org.
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March 30, 2005
Warren Lane Elementary School to Receive 5,000 New Books on Election Day
Anticipation is growing in the Inglewood community as the April 5th election approaches, but students and staff at Warren Lane Elementary School in the Inglewood Unified School District are waiting for a different reason-on April 5th at 9:15 AM the Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation (SSHF) will donate over 5,000 brand new books to the school as a part of the Foundation's Project Read for HOPET Campaign to promote reading and literacy among children. And, despite their busy schedules on that day, Inglewood City Council member Curren Price, a Project Read For HOPET Ambassador, and IUSD school board members will be on hand to encourage student readers.
Inglewood's Warren Lane School serves approximately 1,025 students in Kindergarten through grade 8. In addition to the school's focus on its academic program, it also works to nurture the healthy emotional and social development of its students, including a significant group who are in foster care. It is for this reason, district leaders recently announced, that a "one-stop" intervention center is being planned for Warren Lane-a place where students and families can go for a range of counseling, tutoring, and other family services. "The book donations will assist us in this effort," said Superintendent Pamela Short-Powell. "We will be able to update Warren Lane's library and recycle some of the current books into the intervention center for families to use when they visit. We want the community and children to know how important reading is," she added.
The book donation will provide yet another avenue towards achieving the Board of Education's goal to improve literacy district-wide. District partners, including the Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation, play a major part in helping to make this goal a reality. Warren Lane will be the second recipient of a major donation of library books, in addition to books donated to Monroe Middle School from the "I Have a Dream" Foundation. The Inglewood Unified School District will continue to seek support from businesses and foundations through its Adopt-a-School program to provide services and enrichment materials to schools.
"Today's children are tomorrow's decision-makers; our future is in their hands," said Councilmember Price. "Reading is the foundation of a good education, and a good education underlies responsible decision-making. We must all play a part in making sure our children become excellent readers."
"We are honored to support Dr. Powell and the entire Inglewood School District," said Shelia Starks, founder of SSHF. "She has a deep commitment to the children of Inglewood. The future of America will only be as bright as the future of our children. If we fail our children, we will only be failing ourselves," she said, giving a special thanks to project sponsors Achieve Internet, Uhaul, Phenix Web Design, City to City Moving and the Children's Network International.
"We are truly grateful to the Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation for its generous donation to Warren Lane School," said Dr. Powell. "Books are the key to knowledge. Resources such as the fine books donated to Warren Lane will help our youngsters to be more successful in their school experience at Lane and thereafter. I know that the entire staff, students, and parents will be very grateful and I can assure you that the books will be put to very good use."
Stephanie Starks' Hope Foundation was formed in loving memory of Stephanie who passed away at the age of 14 from a misdiagnosis of Bacteria Meningitis. Founded and operated by Shelia Starks, the Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funds for critical social issues in order to make a positive impact in the community and throughout the nation. To learn more, you can visit the Foundation online at www.sshopefoundation.org.
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September 20, 2004
Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation Helps Army Assist Hurricane Victims. Project Give HOPET brings aid from Los Angeles and Children's Network International to feed families devastated by Hurricanes
Orlando, Fla. (September 20, 2004) - The Stephanie Starks' Hope Foundation is reaching out to those in need due to multiple hurricanes throughout Central Florida by providing food, hygiene items and financial support to be distributed by The Salvation Army in Orange County.
Project Give Hope is a national community initiative of the Stephanie Starks Hope Foundation to respond to devastating events that affect the country. The Foundation believes in one community throughout America. Their purpose includes collaborating with companies, organizations and individuals in taking responsibility to help each other in times of crisis.
Shelia Starks, founder and executive director of the Stephanie Starks Foundation, has coordinated the effort with key companies like City to City Moving, FARWEST FREIGHT, Children's Network International and Phenix Web Design.
"This is a great opportunity to serve others in our area who are in need right now," said Major David Birmingham, Area Commander of The Salvation Army. "We know there are families who really could use this generous donation and we're privileged to make sure it gets distributed to them."
The Salvation Army is located at 416 West Colonial Drive. The Disaster Relief Distribution Center is located at 420 West Colonial Drive and is delivering donations throughout Orange County and surrounding counties including Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia and Lake.
Stephanie Starks' Hope Foundation was formed in loving memory of Stephanie who passed away at the age of 14 from a misdiagnosis of Bacteria Meningitis. Founded and operated by Shelia Starks, the Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funds for critical social issues in order to make a positive impact in the community and throughout the nation.
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Each use should be accompanied by the credit line and notice, "Courtesy of The Stephanie Starks HOPE Foundation, Inc (SSHF). Unauthorized use not permitted."
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