I have been off the LGT radar for too long but I wanted to thank everyone for keeping it going. Raising awareness an money! for early reading. “Step 1” will never end and will always be remembered by all of us as such a huge success and strong foundation for this foundation - we can still do more. Folks are doing fundraisers and book drives. A new book is the gift that keeps on giving and can change the path of a young child. Step 1 continues on!!! Step 2 is on the horizon for sure but let’s keep thinking books books books! We ate changing the world, step by step :) -jm

Hey :)

So I’ve been hearing that some of you who donated a book at the concert did not get your download of “5 Brothers and a Million Sisters” yet. One reason for some is that I was a bit late getting them out- and now you have already received it. ANother reason is that some names may have slipped through the cracks or were spelled wrong, etc.  

Sooo…. please email letsgetthisfoundation@gmail.com and in the subject line put your city / download   as in “Memphis/Download”.  We will send you the song asap.

Sorry for the mishap and thank you for your patience.

Let’s reconcile this :)

-jm

Couple of questions came up about why we are only collecting new books. There are a lot of “gentley used” and “like new books” out there that could certainly be a deserving part of a home book shelf. However, for a book drive like this, we wanted to keep it simple. The turn around for the books being collected and picked up is less than 24 hours. We want to be sure right away that all these books are ready to go and ready to get into the hands of a child that can call it their own. There is something about being the first pair of little hands to open up a beautiful new book. It is special for that child. I think it reinforces the relationship of that child with the book and the amazing journey they are about to share.

Just thought I’d say a few words about that. I never thought we’d even think of coming close to 20 thousand new books, but now I’m dreaming of 25 thousand :) !!!!  Let’s keep it going, guys! Let’s coral this! Let’s elevate this! Let’s GET this!!!

-jm

Hey :)

If you were at the ILAA meet and greet and weren’t able to drop-off your book, please e-mail letsgetthisfoundation@gmail.com with “Detroit Meet and Greet” in the subject line.

Unfortunately, the meet and greet was delayed because of weather and eventually caused some folks to not get to the drop-off locations at the venue. We are in the process of getting the location of our Detroit book beneficiary, so that those folks can bring their books there.

I apologize for the inconvenience. When rock and roll meets a book drive, every now and then it gets a little bumpy.

Thanks again for your patience.

oxooxo -jm

The Chi-town Express! These volunteers collected the most books! There is a rumor that they strong armed concert goers to go back out of the show and go to the books store to purchase more books so Chicago could hold the crown for Top Book City! -In true Chicago fashion :)

For real though, you guys did it! It was hot as hell too! I believe you guys really felt the reward of getting involved and I thank you so much for lending your time and passion to the cause. Its only the beginning! Right???!!!!!! Right. oxxooxxo -jm

P.S. Can another city take the crown from Chicago? Yes, they can. But WILL they?

Detroit you came hard. You stepped up. You did like you do. Ka-plow!! The show was revved up like a Ford 150, but of course it had its heavy hearted moments with the passing of MJ. It was an honor to celebrate him in our own way. I have to admit, I was a little weighed down for a bit, but then I was snapped out of it by the awesome crowd. The show must go on. I’m sure Mike would agree. And it sho’ nuf did. AND he would be proud of his Motown for bringing 760 new books to the show!!!!!!! 760! Amazing…thank you!!! I’m proud of the Motown, too!!! xoxoxo

Now Chicago…Chicago, Chicago, Chicago. You did it. You once again secured your very special place in my heart AND… by a nose… you took out Toronto as the biggest book getter. Chicago takes it with 1300 BOOKS!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAUUUUGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!! I love ya! I knew you wouldn’t let me down, but I didn’t think you’d take the crown!!! Much love to the volunteers from Detroit and Chicago. It wasn’t raining but it was hot as a Waffle House skillet, so thanks for hanging in there and giving your time and energy to this very important collection. The kids are getting these books and they are going to read them and cherish them for a long long time. 

I could go on and on and will in the future :)  More pics coming tomorrow. oxoxoxoxoxoxoo -jm