Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 9, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Washington governors gather to raise money for The Institute for Motivating Reading

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke and four of the state's surviving former governors, including Albert D. Rosellini, John Spellman, Booth Gardner, and Mike Lowry, met today to benefit The Institute for Motivating Reading. This annual "Gathering of the Governors" began in 1997 and is an official non-profit organization dedicated to supporting education and youth-oriented programs in Washington.

"I'm delighted that this 'Gathering of the Governors' gives us a chance to champion the cause of youth education in our state," Locke said. "It is also such a great opportunity to gather again with a very distinguished group of statesmen."

Spellman, who chaired this year's "Gathering of the Governors," passed a special gavel to Gardner at the end of the luncheon. Gardner will chair next year's charity event, which will benefit the organization of his choice.

"We have observed The Institute's program in action, and its results with young students and their parents are demonstrable and exciting," said Spellman.

The Institute is a Seattle-based organization founded in 1987. Its goal is to address the problem of functional illiteracy in Washington. The literacy program developed by The Institute is used in more than 200 inner-city, suburban and rural elementary and middle-school classes. Each year, more than 1,200 new students benefit from this program.

Five guests enjoyed a rare opportunity to meet and talk with the governors in a personal setting over lunch. Two of the five people also attended last year's event.

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