WNDB PARTNERS WITH YA RUNS A 5K FUNDRAISER

Cherry Hill, NJ – May 24, 2015 – YA Runs A 5K, a campaign that promotes diverse reading and healthy
living, is proud to announce a partnership with We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) to create the BJ Joseph
Grant for WNDB. The $3,000.00 grant will assist WNDB in their mission to address the lack of diverse,
non-majority narratives children’s literature, and is currently fundraising on GoFundMe.
(http://www.gofundme.com/yarunsa5k)
YA Runs A 5K co-creator, Melody Simpson, says of the partnership, “I am honored to have the
opportunity to create a grant for WNDB and to do so in my late grandmother’s name, as she was a
writer and greatly influenced my love for reading and the arts. It is my hope that her name can be a part
of a campaign that continues to do that and impact young readers like me all over the nation.”
Simpson said she will also be giving away the majority of the ARCs she receives at Book Expo America
2015 to those who donate to the cause. Writing critiques from literary agents, authors, and TV writers,
(signed) books, and other thank you gifts are being offered to those who donate $30 or more. Anyone
who donates $1-$29 will be entered into a raffle in which one person will receive a gift that includes an
Epic Reads book bundle.
YA Runs A 5K will also run and walk The Super Run, a superhero themed 5k, which will take place in
Philadelphia, PA on June, 6, 2015. The 5k is family and cosplay friendly. In addition, a virtual 5K is being
held for those who cannot attend the 5k in Philadelphia, PA. Anyone who donates at least $15 and
pledges to run or walk their own 5K will receive YA Runs A 5K bookmarks.