Mayors of Mankato and North Mankato Declare June 23 as “Capstone Day”

June 9, 2011 - PRLog -- Mayors Eric Anderson (Mankato) and Mark Dehen (North Mankato) are declaring June 23 as “Capstone Day,” in honor of the company’s 20th anniversary. Capstone is a leading publisher of children’s books and digital products and services which inspire readers, support curriculum, and delight imaginations.

“We’re thrilled to declare June 23 as Capstone Day and bring to light the importance of literacy as an investment in our communities,” said Mayor Eric Anderson.

The June 23 celebration at the Capstone Distribution Center in North Mankato will include an official proclamation from Mayors Anderson and Dehen, a donation of 5,000 books to the mobile literacy outreach Bess the Book Bus, and the distribution of books to children at the Mankato YMCA.

“Capstone began publishing books 20 years ago for kids who struggle with reading. We continue today with the mission of igniting kids’ passion for reading because we know it opens up so many doors for them,” said Lisa Hanson, Coughlan Companies Director of Corporate Giving. “We’re delighted to celebrate our 20th anniversary with the cities of Mankato and North Mankato.”

Capstone’s book donation to Bess the Book Bus takes place during the organization’s “Success is in Sight” national tour this summer and fall. The bus will travel more than 18,000 miles with 60 stops in 44 states, and deliver more than 35,000 books to children in need.

“This donation of books by Capstone and Bess the Book Bus moves us forward in our Youth Development area of focus. Participants in our After School Adventures, Camps, and Pre-school Discovery programs are just some of the children who will benefit from this very generous gift,” said John Kind, Mankato Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer.

Capstone has a rich history of philanthropy in local communities and those abroad. In 2010 alone, the company supported more than 250 organizations’ initiatives through book donations, sponsorships, scholarships and employee volunteer time.

About Capstone
Capstone is a leading publisher of children’s books and digital products and services, offering everything from nonfiction, fiction, and picture books to interactive books, audio books, and literacy programs. Divisions include Capstone Press, Compass Point Books, Heinemann-Raintree, Picture Window Books, Stone Arch Books, and Capstone Digital, and. For more information, visit www.CapstonePub.com. Connect with them at http://Connect.CapstonePub.com.  

About Bess the Book Bus
Bess the Book Bus, Inc. is a mobile literacy outreach founded in 2004 by Jennifer Frances in honor of her Nana, Bess O'Keefe. For more information, visit www.BessTheBookBus.org.  

About the Mankato Family YMCA
The Mission of the Mankato Family YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, body and social well-being for all. For more information, visit www.MankatoYMCA.org.

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Capstone is a leading publisher of children’s books and digital products and services, offering everything from nonfiction, fiction, and picture books to interactive books, audio books, and literacy programs. Divisions include Capstone Press, Compass Point Books, Heinemann-Raintree, Picture Window Books, Stone Arch Books, and Capstone Digital, and. For more information, visit www.CapstonePub.com. Connect with them at http://Connect.CapstonePub.com.