Disabled to Raise Funds for Non-Disabled - Labor Day weekend radio event to benefit Literacy Volunteers of America

Labor Day weekend radio event
to benefit Literacy Volunteers of America (Sept. 5, 1999)

Syracuse, New York, To show that people with disabilities shouldn't always be considered the recipients of charity, "On A Roll," the weekly syndicated radio program on disability lifestyle issues, produced by people with disabilities, will raise funds for Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. (LVA) through an on-air event on Sept. 5. Onarollathon '99 will air from 9 to 11 p.m. Eastern time on "On A Roll" affiliate radio stations and on the Internet at http://www.broadcast.com/shows/onaroll. The program will feature talent with disabilities, including musical acts, comedians, poetry readings, celebrities and others. Wally Amos, creator of Famous Amos cookies and a 20-year spokesperson for LVA, will be an on-air guest.

"I know in my heart that our community, people with disabilities, care about important social issues, beyond those that directly impact us," said On A Roll host and founder Greg Smith. "We are a part of a powerful civil rights movement that can create positive change, which is why we are joining forces to help advance another great cause. On this particular weekend when people with disabilities are depicted as helpless objects of pity, we want to deliver the message that we are important builders of this society." Smith, who weighs just 68 pounds, uses a power wheelchair and has muscular dystrophy.

"Literacy Volunteers of America helps adults and their families to acquire the skills that they need to be more effective parents, citizens and employees," said Marsha L. Tait, national president of LVA. "On A Roll and LVA share the common goal of assisting people to become more self-sufficient and we are very grateful for their support for adult literacy."

One hundred percent of the proceeds from Onarollathon '99 will go directly to LVA. Donations can be made any time prior to the Sept. 5 event. Smith has established a post office box to collect checks made payable to Literacy Volunteers of America, P.O. Box 559, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. Donations may also be made through the LVA web site, www.literacyvolunteers.org. On the day of the event, those wishing to donate may call 1-800-LVA-8812.

Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc., is a national, not-for-profit organization, managed by professionals, which delivers local literacy services through a network of more than 50,000 volunteers nationwide. The LVA network consists of 366 community programs in 41 states in which volunteers are trained to tutor adults and their families.

Contacts:

Greg Smith
On A Roll Radio
937-767-1838
greg@onarollradio.com
www.onarollradio.com

 

Literacy Volunteers of America

Marsha L. Tait, President
315-472-0001, ext. 250

Peter Gabak, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
315-472-0001, ext. 209
www.literacyvolunteers.org