Read All Over was started in 2001 by then 10-year-old Brant Whiting and a group of fifth and sixth grade students at Hermosa Drive Elementary School in Fullerton, California. RAO promotes peace and literacy through organizing book drives - and is dedicated to the memory of 20-year-old Deora Bodley.


OUR INSPIRATION

Brant Whiting was eight years old when a terrible asthma attack nearly killed him. Upon his remarkable recovery, he made a promise to his doctors to do something special with his life. One night, as he was watching the news, he found it. A Senator was talking about September 11, 2001 - the day the United States was attacked by terrorists. She told the story of one of the victims, Deora Bodley. Like Brant, she loved books and she loved helping people. "I just knew I had to do something," he says.

That something, it turns out, was to start Read All Over. Brant rallied his parents, his friends, his school and community - he even rallied California State Senator Barbara Boxer. And finally he rallied Deora's mother, Debby Borza.

Overwhelmed and impressed with Brant, Debby readily agreed. "I was amazed by him," says Debby of Brant. It didn't take long for her to funnel the pain of Deora's loss into positive action. She joined forces with Brant and his mom, Lisa Whiting. Debby has since become the CEO of Read All Over. "I just know," says Debby, "that my daughter would have loved this."

While Deora died in the tragedy of September 11, 2001, nothing could stop her dream for peace and love for life. Today, Deora remains RAO's inspiration. We dedicate our work to her memory.


TEAM RAO

These are the people who started Read All Over. If you thought these were business people, parents or teachers - you'd be wrong! Our organization was started by kids, and created for kids!

OUR FOUNDER
Brant Whiting, Age 10

OUR PROJECT DEVELOPERS
Alexis Benoit, Age 9
Kevin Benoit, Age 11
Ali Bock, Age 11
Alexa Clark, Age 10
Lauren Mellano, Age 10
Lauren Nielson, Age 11
Bree Person, Age 11
Matthew Pilgrim, Age 10
Caylin Schutz, Age 11
Jessica Stansfield, Age 10

The Read All Over team has also named Deora’s 11-year-old sister, Murial Borza, Read All Over’s Honorary Chairperson. In addition to being honorary chair, Murial has taken an active role in helping to create the Read All Over program.

With the help of the Points of Light Foundation, Deora’s family and school children across the nation, Read All Over is proud to take a step toward fulfilling Deora Bodley’s desire for peace by providing wonderful books for children so they can experience Deora’s passion for reading.