Military Non-Profit United Through Reading Unveils Mobile Story Station and honors the Berenstain Family and Alex G. Kelley at 10th Annual Storybook Ball

November 11, 2018

SAN DIEGO, CA — November 10, 2018 — United Through Reading hosted the 10th Annual Storybook Ball on November 10 in San Diego, CA. The annual Storybook Ball brings together corporate executives, senior military leaders, long-time supporters, and military families in celebration of the meaningful connections UTR fosters for military families facing physical separation.

Keynote speakers this year included Military Guest of Honor Vice Adm. John D. Alexander, Commander of Third Fleet, and military teen and UTR beneficiary Isabelle Richards. The Berenstain Family, creators of children’s literature franchise The Berenstain Bears, were recipients of the Audrey Geisel Friend of Military Children award. Founding United Through Reading board member Alex G. Kelley posthumously received The Angel Award, accepted by Jay and Carrie Kelly.

“The 10th Annual Storybook Ball celebrates millions of stories that have connected military families over the years during times of separation. We’re thankful to our supporters who have made this mission possible for the last 29 years,” said Dr. Sally Ann Zoll, United Through Reading CEO.

The night of celebration also marked the unveiling of the Mobile Story Station. Backed by generous support from BAE Systems, along with the county of San Diego’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Grants and The Parker Foundation, the Mobile Story Station will bridge the service gap by providing more opportunities for service members to learn about UTR and to participate by being video recorded reading a storybook in a branded and customized Ford Transit in the greater San Diego area. The Mobile Story Station will routinely visit locations military families frequent, including Exchanges, Commissaries, libraries, MWR locations, and military work sites to maximize visibility and accessibility.

The 10th Annual Storybook Ball’s title sponsor, BAE Systems, Inc., was among the many generous supporters in attendance that ensure military children benefit from the transformational read-aloud experience United Through Reading has provided for 29 successful years.