The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) was honored to receive a $4000 grant for their ReadingPals program from the Florida WineFest & Auction. The ReadingPals program provides mentors to 4-year-old children at local child care sites to positively influence students' understanding of the fundamental building blocks of early literacy. In addition, through genuine and impactful relationships, mentors help enhance a solid pro-social foundation for young learners. Mentors meet weekly in person with small groups of 1-3 students at a time for 25-30 weeks. This year, ReadingPals reached 135 students and provided weekly books to each student with suggested at-home lessons. The ReadingPals program aims to create a love of learning in young children, sending them to kindergarten excited to learn. The following quote is from a family participating in the ReadingPals program: "The ReadingPals program has enhanced the joy of reading for our child. She has counted down the days every week in anticipation of ReadingPals day and was sad to hear when it was going to be the last time she would see her ReadingPal. Every week, on the day of ReadingPals, she comes home and excitedly shares her ReadingPals experience. Also, on that same day, we have to read the ReadingPals book she comes home with. We believe that the ReadingPals program should continue to be incorporated into more schools so that more children can become more excited to read." Florida WineFest & Auction, established in 1991, puts the fun in fundraiser by empowering lives one sip at a time. This nonprofit is a grassroots organization that relies on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Florida WineFest & Auction’s sole purpose is assisting disadvantaged youth and their families in Manatee and Sarasota by raising funds to support qualifying agencies, knowing that many not-for-profit groups benefit from additional manpower and recognition to perform their community-driven missions. The gift from Florida WineFest & Auction is truly remarkable; the ELC’s ReadingPals program is made even stronger through this award.