Aurelio’s Pizza has been named presenting sponsor of the Joliet Slammers reading program, “Spikes’ Super Students!” launched in February 2012.
The “Spikes’ Super Students!” reading program, which started mid-February and runs through summer, began as the Book Buddies program in 2011. The focus is to work in conjunction with area schools and libraries to promote literacy through baseball to children in grades K-8. Last year, over 100,000 kids participated.
“Spikes’ Super Students!” information packets have been distributed to over 400 schools and libraries throughout Will County and beyond. The program rewards participating students with one Joliet Slammers lawn ticket voucher for every four books/hours/pages read, depending on their age. The vouchers can be redeemed during the 2012 regular season at any Tuesday or Wednesday home game from June through August. Kids can participate in a pre-game parade on the field and run the bases after the game. In addition, Aurelio’s Pizza will be providing a coupon for a ‘Lil Pie, redeemable at any Aurelio’s restaurant to each participating student.
In addition, the Joliet Slammers will be collecting books to donate to local non-profit organizations. Students and their families can help by bringing a new or gently used book to the ATI Information Booth on the 1st base side of the concourse behind section 105. Those who donate a book will receive a coupon for 10% off merchandise in “The Clink” – only one coupon per person per game. By helping others in need, the kids can truly become “Super Students!”
“Literacy is the first key to unlocking many doors in life,” said Kirk Mauriello, Director of Franchising, Aurelio’s Pizza. “The ‘Spikes’ Super Students!’ program provides a fun way to encourage this essential skill. Aurelio’s Pizza is proud to partner for this worthy endeavor and we’re hoping that rewarding the kids with pizza and baseball will entice even more to participate.”
About Aurelio’s Pizza:
With a history as rich and entrenched in the community as the pizza it’s famous for, the very first Aurelio’s restaurant opened on Ridge Road in Homewood, as the pride and joy of Joseph A. Aurelio, Jr. who decided to give it a go as a restaurateur at the age of 26. With its legendary “old oven” dating back to 1959 in its Homewood location, Aurelio’s was one of the pioneers of the family pizzeria concept in the United States and helped to launch pizza into the American lexicon. Since that time, Aurelio’s has become one of Chicagoland’s claims to fame. And, transplanted Chicagoans all over the map have helped to bring their favorite pizzeria franchise to 43 cities across six states, growing a strong fan base for the taste of Aurelio’s. For additional information, please visit: www.aureliospizza.com.