Christie Vilsack worked with Verizon and Chicago Bulls players Fred Hoiberg, now of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Marcus Fizer to promote the importance of literacy in Iowa. Mrs. Vilsack's community program, Iowa Stories 2000, was developed "to strengthen communities, families and children through reading, storytelling and libraries." Fred and Marcus, both former Iowa State Cyclones, joined in the effort to help Verizon promote literacy throughout the state and raise funds to provide a book to every child entering kindergarten in Iowa.

"Through a series of literacy initiatives, I want to promote the importance of reading and sharing stories with children early in life as a means of fostering family identity and as a means of preparing children to read," Mrs. Vilsack said.

The theme of Iowa Stories 2000, "Please read to a child; it may be the best part of your day," was developed to inspire parents and others to groom children to be lifelong readers.

Verizon distributed more than 25,000 posters at various locations throughout the state, including baseball games, the Iowa State Fair, amusement parks and of course, libraries, in support of literacy.

Download Iowa Literacy Champions Poster