66ers offering no-cost reading program

The 66ers announced on Wednesday that they are offering a no-cost reading program to area elementary schools that is also sponsored by Rotolo Chevrolet.

Participating schools will have an assembly that includes Sixers mascot Bernie and the community relations team. Students will receive a baseball-themed bookmark, and will receive 2 tickets to a selected game if the student reaches his or her reading goal.

“We realize the importance of touching these students lives in a positive aspect. It’s a very special treat for Bernie and 66ers staff members to come to their school just for them. Kids hold on to those memories for a long time and we hope that it’ll further their interest in reading beyond finishing the bookmark,” 66ers Community Groups manager Kelsey Beckenbach said in a press release.

Perhaps even bigger in this era of cash-strapped schools is an opportunity for the schools to earn money.

Students will receive tickets to attend one of the first four Sunday home games in 2013: April 7, April 21, May 12 and May 19.

The 3 schools the the most representation throughout the 4 days will receive donations from the 66ers. The school with the most attendees will get $1,500, while second and third place will each receive $1,000.