The Tri-City Scoop: Ice Cream for Literacy

Graham’s Chocolate in Geneva, Kimmer’s Ice Cream in St. Charles, and Batavia Creamery in Batavia are all participating in Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley’s Ice Cream for Literacy fundraiser which will be held from 7:00pm to 10:00pm on Thursday, August 13 at each of the shops.

Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley helps adults improve their English by matching them with trained volunteer tutors, one-to-one. “Each city in our service area has a unique blend of ethnicities. We have quite a melting pot,” said Peg Coker, executive director. “On August 13, people can try their hand at selecting ice cream to create a melting pot of their own.”

The organization is trying to raise funds but is also trying to raise awareness of the need for volunteer tutors. “Adults from more than 30 countries come to Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley for help,” noted Coker. “The majority of our students are from Spanish-speaking countries, but many community members that request tutoring come from all over the world. We currently have students from Burma, Thailand, and Nepal as well. We have representatives from new countries joining us every year.”

Currently, there is a waiting list of adults who want to learn English so more tutors are needed. Free tutor training workshops are slated for August and September and are open for registration. No prior teaching experience is necessary.

Musicians have offered their talents to help make the ice cream fundraiser a success. Singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist Jim Green of Wayne will play at Graham’s Chocolate from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Singer and song writer Dave Ramont of St. Charles will stop by Kimmer’s Ice Cream to play in his own style of Americana from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Singer, songwriter and experimental acoustic guitarist Trent de la Cruz of Batavia will play at Batavia Creamery starting at 7:00pm.

For more information about Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley or the ice cream fundraiser, contact Peg Coker at 630-584-4428 or peg@lvfv.org.