Rocket Phonics Foundation will bring together art, literacy and local businesses for its Paint a Brighter Future for Young Readers fundraiser Sunday, Oct. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Painting with a Twist in Bradenton.
Founded in 2020, Rocket Phonics Foundation is a local nonprofit that provides free, one-to-one, game-based phonics tutoring to children who are struggling to read. Through trained volunteer tutors and partnerships with schools and community organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties, the foundation helps young readers develop foundational reading skills and build the confidence needed for future academic success.
Participants at the fundraiser will paint a Florida lighthouse, selected to represent hope, guidance and finding a path forward. The theme reflects the foundation’s work with young readers as tutors provide individualized instruction and encouragement to help children progress from reading struggles toward greater confidence and success.
Tickets are $40 per painter, with a portion of each registration benefiting Rocket Phonics Foundation. No painting experience is necessary. The event will take place at Painting with a Twist, 5917 Manatee Ave. W., Suite 209, Bradenton.
The fundraiser is also receiving support from several area businesses. New Bradenton and Sarasota Painting with a Twist studio owners Jamie Light and Sierra Buhler are hosting the event. The pair took ownership of the studios in August and are supporting the literacy organization shortly after becoming local business owners.
Kristin’s Cookie Chronicles, a Bradenton cottage bakery, is donating cookies for attendees, while Chicken Salad Chick Bradenton is providing a tray of croissants. Quinn & Co Events, a woman-owned Palmetto business serving the Bradenton and Sarasota area, will provide charcuterie cups.
The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime Indie Market and The Dusty Daisy have each donated gift certificates for door prizes. Painting with a Twist Bradenton is also contributing a gift certificate in addition to hosting the fundraiser.
Rocket Phonics Foundation uses trained volunteers and community partnerships to make individualized reading assistance available to children at no cost to their families. The organization focuses on helping young readers strengthen phonics and other foundational literacy skills through engaging, game-based instruction.
Registration is available through the QR code on the event flyer. More information about Rocket Phonics Foundation and its programs is available at Rocket Phonics Foundation.
