Dependable Cleaners Kicks Off 2012 Read to Ride Program

Looking for a reason to encourage your kids to hit the books this summer?  How about the chance to win a new bike or a gift card for summer fun? On May 14, 2012, will kick off its 14th Annual Read to Ride program designed to encourage students to keep up the challenging momentum of school while fostering the love of reading and staying healthy during summer vacation. 

Beginning May 14, 2012, students ages 6-15 will have the chance to win a bike or another exciting prize for every book they read. Since the program’s inception in 1999, more than 59,000 books have been read. 

“Studies show that children who develop a love of reading early in life often see more success in school and in life,” said Christa Hagearty, president of Dependable Cleaners.  “We are proud of Read to Ride’s success but we couldn’t do it without the cooperation of area schools, their directors and superintendents , our sponsors, and the overwhelming number of parents who encourage their children to read during the summer months.”  

Read to Ride will run through August 13, 2012. This year’s program will include free “Story-Time with the Author” events that will feature well-known children’s authors, reading from their latest books.  The first story-time event will take place at Buttonwood Books in Cohasset, MA on May 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Best-selling author/illustrator of the beloved “Bats” series, Brian Lies, will read from his latest book, MORE, as he demonstrates the magic of reading and imagination.

Participation in Read to Ride is easy. For every book a child reads, they fill out an entry form and submit it at-any of the 16 Dependable Cleaners locations or with their Home Delivery Drivers. Entry forms will be available at all Dependable Cleaners locations and delivery routes, Farina’s Bike Store in Watertown, in Milton, libraries and stores, or online at DependableCleaners.com/Read-Ride

One grand prize winner will be drawn each Monday from June 4 through August 13 (except for July 2). The Grand Prize Winners will receive a new bike and helmet.  Two additional winners will receive a gift card to a local sporting goods store or activity in Greater Boston. A full list of Read to Ride partners, terms and conditions, and a printable entry form will be accessible online at www.DependableCleaners.com/read-ride.

Read to Ride 2012 is sponsored by Dependable Cleaners in conjunction with Farina’s Bicycle Center, Dave’s Bike Infirmary, Buttonwood Books, Newtonville Books, The Patriot Ledger and Patch.com.   For more information about Read to Ride 2012 and printable entry forms, visit www.DependableCleaners.com/read-ride.