The Jackson sisters – including 2023 grand prize winner Jewel Love Jackson (back, middle) – enjoy a sweet treat at Nothing Bundt Cakes after reaching a reading milestone in 2023
SARASOTA, FL – Music Compound is committed to educating all year long, including when school is out for the summer. In addition to hosting an in-person summer camp, Music Compound launches the Rock Your Summer Reading initiative each year on June 1. Music Compound is again partnering with area businesses to provide special treats, one-of-a-kind experiences, and cool items as prizes; area youths have an opportunity to receive prizes for every five books they read.
The program runs through August 31. As the number of books a child reads increases, the value of prizes they can earn grows. Prizes range from meals, books and kid-friendly activities to passes for local attractions and private music lessons at Music Compound. Participants are encouraged to pick up and redeem prizes promptly throughout the summer, as they expire after September 15, 2024.
All participants who read 50 books or more are eligible to be entered into the grand prize drawing for a party for up to 20 people – with highlights including a bounce house and SRQ PhotoBooth donated by Let’s Jump Rentals – at Music Compound’s “Studio 32.” The grand prize winner will be drawn and announced on September 6.
“This initiative has grown beyond all expectations since we launched it in 2020. Last year, 297 children participated – logging nearly 5,000 total books – and 80 children qualified for the grand prize drawing by reading at least 50 books,” said Music Compound general studio manager Alyssa Martin. “Its success in motivating kids to read over the summer has just been incredible. We are grateful to our business partners, who have been so generous in providing prizes to excite and inspire our young readers – this program simply wouldn’t be possible without their support.”
This program is open to all area children. Participants can download a reader passport by visiting MusicCompound.com/read. Each participant is requested to complete the form after each book to inform prize partners; after reading their 50th book, participants are encouraged to drop off their completed passport at Music Compound to be entered into the drawing for the grand prize.
While the children enjoy the reading and the prizes, parents also enjoy knowing that their kids are benefiting from the activity as well.
“My children really enjoyed your reading program this summer,” said one parent in 2023. “Instead of asking for their tablets they were reading and asking to visit the library often. Thank you for doing this!”
For additional information, contact Music Compound: [email protected] or 941-379-9100, or visit MusicCompound.com/read. There is also a Rock Your Summer Reading Facebook group, with plentiful inspiration to keep those pages turning.
