MoneyGram Foundation Joins First Book to Boost Literacy in LA

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MoneyGram MGI, a leading global money transfer and payment services company, celebrated a literacy event in Los Angeles as part of a collaboration between the MoneyGram Foundation and U.S.-based nonprofit organization First Book.

The event, timed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Día de los Libros (Children's Book Day), included a donation of $2,000 to the Exposition Park Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library for the purchase of books.  The celebration, which marks the second of a four-event series held across the U.S. in Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City, was part of a larger program that includes the donation of $20,000 in grants for books to schools across the U.S. with First Book.

"We're very excited to work with First Book to not only bring resources to communities in need, but to also generate excitement around Día de los Libros and help instill a passion for literacy," said Pamela H. Patsley, MoneyGram's executive chairman. "Through this donation, and through others across the U.S. this summer, we are truly celebrating and supporting the crucial role literature can play in a child's life with First Book. It is an ideal program for our mission of inspiring minds and improving lives."

The event was held at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and included members of the community, students from local schools, and representatives from the MoneyGram Foundation, First Book, and Exposition Park Branch. Refreshments and other donations were provided by Kinecta Alrenative Financial Solutions (NIX).To further increase excitement among attendees and establish a connection between reading, sports and success in life, famed soccer player Braulio Luna attended and signed autographs.  

"First Book is committed to providing vital learning resources to children, and we're excited to supply educational, culturally relevant reading materials to inspire children and families living in the Los Angeles area," said Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book. "Through supporters like the MoneyGram Foundation, thousands of communities across North America have received more than 145 million free and low-cost books through First Book, and we're thrilled to reach more children. Every book donation helps."

The MoneyGram Foundation and First Book plan to hold similar events in Miami and New York City in the coming weeks. It is the MoneyGram Foundation's intention to bring the program not only to these additional cities – but also to countries all over the world. With a platform of inspiring young minds, the MoneyGram Foundation believes that education leads to a better livelihood and increased prosperity in the long term – not just for the individual child, but also for entire families and their communities.

About MoneyGram Foundation
MoneyGram established the MoneyGram Foundation in 2012 to help children around the world gain access to educational facilities and learning resources. Its mission is firmly rooted in the belief that education is at the heart of better economic opportunities, healthier families and individual freedom and empowerment. The MoneyGram Foundation is focused on inspiring minds and improving lives and grants funds to deserving organizations with this mission in mind. To learn more, please visit moneygramfoundation.org or connect with us on Facebook.

About MoneyGram International, Inc.

MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer and payment services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. We also provide bill payment services, issue money orders and process official checks in select markets. More information about MoneyGram is available at moneygram.com.

Learn more about MoneyGram on http://moneygram.com

Twitter: @MoneyGramMe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneygram

About First Book

First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise that has distributed more than 140 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the United States and Canada. By making new, high-quality books and educational resources available on an ongoing basis to its network of educators and program leaders, First Book is transforming the lives of children in need and elevating the quality of education. For more information, please visit firstbook.org or follow the latest news on Facebook or Twitter.

Media Contact: Michelle Buckalew, 214-979-1418

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SOURCE MoneyGram Foundation