The Whiffenpoofs Sing For Children's Literacy The Whiffenpoofs plan to make a contribution to children’s literacy by donating a portion of our world tour proceeds to the cause. Our hope is to act as junior “ambassadors” traveling the world and bringing international attention to the importance of reading and writing. As young men and students at Yale University, we believe that our support is particularly significant. The role that men play in teaching children to read is often overlooked and we think that we are perfect ambassadors of this cause. We would like to think that the Whiffenpoof name and our top-notch performance style will bring added attention to any project that we support. In addition to a financial contribution, the Whiffenpoofs hope to be involved in some service projects beyond charitable singing. We plan to visit schools, orphanages and homeless shelters to perform for children, spend time reading with children, and help establish local literacy centers through gifts of books, pens, pencils and notebooks. In total, we hope to establish 15 literacy centers in 12 countries (including the United States.) Yale University was essentially founded on Elihu Yale’s gift of 417 books so we think it is particularly fitting for us to carry on the tradition of giving books as gifts. We are also in the process of writing a song about the importance of reading which we hope to distribute in the United States and possibly in other countries as well. Our goal is to have a CD of the song included in reading packets that are distributed to new mothers and children through literacy programs like Reach Out and Read and Read To Grow. We believe the music can help teach the message of how important reading is. Finally, we are currently exploring ways that we can support existing literacy programs such as Reading is Fundamental, the United Nations Literacy Decade, the Global Education Fund and Page Ahead. While our plans develop, the Whiffenpoofs are open to any opportunities, events or related causes which may bring further attention to children’s literacy. Donate a Book Online There's nothing like owning your own book and there's no better way to promote literacy than by distributing books to children. As we travel the world this summer, we hope to donate books to thousands of children. Help us by donating a book online.