Rudolph’s Readers, named after founders Robbie and Lisa Rudolph, was one of the foundation’s first programs after it started in October 2010. “We chose Christmas time because we named it ‘Rudolph’s Readers,’” Owen explained. “Robbie believes that ensuring strong reading and math skills are critical to helping students prepare for their future in the work force.”
Since 2010, the Rudolphs have given over 9,500 books to students in the five school districts. Adding Ballard County doubled the number of book giveaways this year, Owen added. “Being able to read and know the joy of reading a good book is very important to me,” she continued. Owen’s mother was a librarian in Fulton, and she herself is a certified librarian, serving as district librarian for Fulton Independent Schools for 15 years before going into administration. Robbie Rudolph’s mother also was a librarian, at the University of Tennessee at Martin.