Book-It Repertory Theatre Receives $45,000 – Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

SEATTLE -- Book-It Repertory Theatre announced today it has received $45,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the theatre's Education and Community Outreach Program, Book-It All Over!

Book-It All Over! (BIAO!) is a program dedicated to sparking children's interest in reading and to challenge them to participate by using their imaginations. BIAO! actors travel to schools, community centers and libraries to perform stories and teach workshops. The program is in conjunction with Book-It's mission to transform great literature into great theatre, and inspire their audiences to read.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation," said Book-It Repertory Theatre managing director Jennifer Teunon. "This is the most generous grant we have received. It will make such a positive impact on our educational outreach program."

Grants such as the one received from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation make it possible for Book-It to give scholarships and discounts to schools and libraries who would otherwise be unable to afford a performance. With such support, many more students have the opportunity to see great literature, such as Tom Sawyer and Jane Eyre, brought to life.

"It was definitely our pleasure to support the Book-It All Over! Program," said Bill Gates, Sr., co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "Their dedication to enriching the lives of young people by providing increased access to the joys and wonders of reading and the arts is remarkable and we felt it needed to be recognized."

For more information and a list of touring stories for Book-It All Over!, contact Gail Frasier at 206-216-0877.