Busch “Speeds” to Rev-Up Book Donations for Local Children

Kyle Busch

Washington, D.C.- Before heading to Dover International Speedway last weekend, Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 5 Team Lowe’s Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Busch Series, made a quick stop at a Lowe’s store near Washington, D.C., to take part in the first regional Speed Read Challenge.

Known for his speed on the track, Busch used some “fast talk” at the Speed Read event to raise book donations for children in the D.C. metro area.

The Speed Read Challenge required Busch to read as many words as possible from one of his favorite childhood books, “Go, Dog. Go!,” in just 15 seconds. For every word that Busch read, one book was donated to local First Book children by Busch’s car sponsor, Lowe’s. When Busch’s 15 seconds was up, it was announced that he had read 77 words during the allotted time, which translates into 77 new books for community children.

When Busch was done, personnel from nearby Andrews Air Force Base and students from the Visions and Emotions Drama Club at Indian Queen Elementary School in Fort Washington, Md., took turns trying to best Busch’s mark. For every word those participants read, First Book also donated one book to area children.

Two challengers were able to beat Busch’s total by reading 84 words apiece in 15 seconds. On behalf of those individuals, First Book will double the number of books donated.

“This was easily the most fun I’ve ever had at a charity event,” Busch said. “There’s nothing I like more than seeing how fast I can go, and for that to benefit children by providing them with books is awesome. This is one situation where I can be happy someone beat me, because it means even more books will end up in the hands of some deserving kids.”

Local celebrities and political figures, including Maryland State Senator Gloria Gary-Lawlah, Prince George’s County Council Chair Tony Knotts and others, will use their own “fast talk” to compete during the week of September 24-30. For each word those dignitaries read at any public venue during those dates, First Book will donate one book to a child in the community.

The book donations are made possible in part by a $100,000 donation Lowe’s has made to the First Book organization.

“This $100,000 grant in the Washington, D.C. area to First Book and Speed Read Challenge represents Lowe’s commitment to education,” said Larry Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “By supporting local organizations like First Book, we believe we are not only contributing to a cause that’s important to our customers and employees, but we’re also helping schools build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow’s employees, homeowners and community leaders.”

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation is proud to support the Speed Read Challenge as part of its ongoing commitment and support of K-12 public education.