Mrs. Gianforte Welcomes United Way for Dolly’s Imagination Library

Usually the Governor is the center of attention.  On this special occasion, Mrs. Gianforte became the star of the show.

After the Governor welcomed the Ultimate Defense Technologies business to the Magic City, he and the First Lady attended a brief presentation to welcome the United Way of Yellowstone County as the administrative agency for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.  With sponsorship and funding from the Gianforte's Treasure State Foundation, UWYC will be the area coordinator for this initiative to bring books to preschool children.

Susan Gianforte welcomed the program partnership to raise literacy, and she invited all parents of kids 0-5 to sign up for the Imagination Library.  UWYC CEO Kim Lewis happily accepted the responsibility, acknowledging that 3,700 kids in Yellowstone County are currently enrolled.  They will be out in the Billings community to market the reading program and to assist parents joining in.  Mayor Bill Cole admitted that "reading scores in Yellowstone County are not doing well," and that this endeavor is dramatically needed.

Get our free mobile app

The Imagination Library

Dolly Parton leads this really cool literacy program for youngsters up to five years old.  Each month, a new book arrives in the mail for the little boy or little girl.  You can see their excitement that they receive a package in the mailbox, addressed to them!  That thrill pulls them into books, pictures, words and then into reading.  That in turn jump starts learning and creativity towards success in school and career and living.  It's as simple as a book.  And how impactful.

You are Invited to Contribute

Do you agree that literacy is a vital path to future success in life?  Believe the more books for kids the better?  You certainly may contribute into the United Way and the Imagination Library, just like the Gianfortes.  Just click on these links and give the amount comfortable for you.

United Way of Yellowstone County - Ways to Give

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - Make a Donation

Dolly in Montana?

Although the music celebrity in the room was a cardboard cutout, the Gianfortes did hint that Dolly herself may come to the Treasure State sometime next summer.