Gerber Life and Reading Is Fundamental Launch Project Open Book

Facebook Campaign Aims to Raise $10,000 for Literacy Programs Nationwide

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gerber Life Insurance Company recently debuted Project Open Book, a Facebook campaign benefiting Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).  To participate, Gerber Life Facebook fans across the country can upload a photo of their child into a mosaic on the Gerber Life Facebook page, and enter to win a $1,000 VISA gift card.  For every photo uploaded, Gerber Life will donate $1 to RIF, the nation's largest children's literacy non-profit which provides books to children in underserved communities across the country. 

"Given our focus on helping young families build a brighter financial future, specifically through our Grow-Up and College Plan products, Reading Is Fundamental was a natural partner.  Their mission to support literacy and learning is consistent with the College Plan's purpose to provide an easy and secure way for families to save for college," said Wesley Protheroe, Chief Executive Officer at Gerber Life.

"Reading Is Fundamental is honored to partner with Gerber Life, given its long history of supporting families dedicated to their children's future," said Carol Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. "As we celebrate our 45th anniversary, the need to promote literacy continues to grow. In low-income communities, there is only one age-appropriate book per 300 children. It is clear that the time for a reading renaissance is now. Our partnership with Gerber Life for Project Open Book is the first step in many to help build a more engaged nation of young readers. "

To honor the organization's 45th anniversary, in November 2011, RIF unveiled a refreshed logo and awareness campaign designed to spark a widespread movement in support of reading. The campaign calls on "Book People" to unite, sharing the power of reading in an effort to get more books into the hands of young children.

Project Open Book will last from January 19 through February 13, with a goal of donating $10,000 to RIF. To enter, visit the Gerber Life Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/gerberlife), and follow the directions to upload a photo.  Participants may enter once and a winner will be selected by random drawing of all eligible entrants.  The grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 VISA gift card; two first place winners will receive a $500 VISA gift card. For complete contest rules, please visit the Gerber Life Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gerberlife.

About Gerber Life Insurance Company
Gerber Life Insurance Company, founded in 1967, provides affordable, industry-leading juvenile life insurance and other financial products to young families.  It is Gerber Life's mission to be the brand parents and grandparents trust to help them achieve financial security and protection for their families at every stage of life.  Throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, Gerber Life has more than $37 billion of life insurance in force, and helps provide financial security to over 3 million policies. For more information, visit Gerber Life's website at www.gerberlife.com.

About Reading Is Fundamental, Inc.
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF's website at www.rif.org.

SOURCE Reading Is Fundamental