Annual Leap for Literacy raises over $5,000

Money will provide free books to local children

Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond and District 2 Commissioner Chris Gaines jumped into the tepid lake in a surprise leap Feb. 24. Thurmond, who had already completed on jump into Lake Lanier, jumped again and took Gaines with him after the crowd went wild and raised $850 to see the pair jump into Lake Lanier during the Leap for Literacy benefit for Wee Books. - photo by Jessica Taylor

Leap for Literacy pic 2 — Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond and District 2 Commissioner Chris Gaines jumped into the tepid lake in a surprise leap Feb. 24. Thurmond, who had already completed on jump into Lake Lanier, jumped again and took Gaines with him after the crowd went wild and raised $850 to see the pair jump into Lake Lanier during the Leap for Literacy benefit for Wee Books. - photo by Jessica Taylor

There couldn’t have been a more perfect day for a swim – or a leap – into Lake Lanier than Saturday. With a bright blue sunny sky and warm sun, participants in the annual Leap for Literacy were ready to cool down and raise money for WEE Books, a local nonprofit organization aimed at providing a free book each month to Dawson County children aged 0-5 enrolled in their program. “We’ve had the most beautiful day we’ve ever had – weather wise and temperature wise – and we’re in good spirits,” said Marge Carey, cofounder of WEE Books. This year’s Leap for Literacy fundraiser raised $5,000 and counting, with more donations pledged according to WEE Books Treasurer Arlene McClure.

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