Nbcuniversal Staff Share Stories With Students At Stamford's Toquam

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Tracie Wilson took a break from her job as an NBCUniversal executive to sit down and face an audience of a different sort — a classroom of first-graders who were enthralled by her reading of "A Wolf At The Door."

Tracie Wilson, senior vice president of programming and development at NBCUniversal's Stamford Media Center, reads to first-graders Wednesday at Toquam Magnet School. It was part of the "Business to Books" read-a-thon.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Cianna Gaston, 6, along with her first grade teacher Janet Inzitari with her fellow students, participates in the "Business to Books" read-a-thon at Toquam Magnet School. NBCUniversal staff came in to read to the students.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Frank MacEachern

05/02/2016 5:30 a.m.

She was part of a group of executives and employees from NBCUniversal’s Stamford Media Center visited the Toquam Magnet School on Wednesday for the seventh consecutive year to read to students. It was part of the Volunteer Center of United Way of Western Connecticut’s Annual “Business-to-Books” Read-a-thon.

For Wilson, it was a relaxing break in her routine.

"When I wake up on this morning, it's just so nice to get out of our daily routine, get out of our grind in the office and come and spend an hour with these great kids," she said. "It's really rewarding, and they enjoy it. And we probably enjoy it even more than they do."

Toquam principal Amy Beldotti said the students were excited to have someone from NBCUniversal read to them.

"Kids know all about TV and NBCUniversal, so to have them come in and read to them is very exciting," she said. "It's a great opportunity to show kids how the community gives back and comes into our schools and read to our children."

Cianna Gaston, one of the students in Janet Inzitari's first grade class, said she liked that Wilson read to the class and explained her favorite part of the book. She also made sure to say that her teachers also are good readers.

The United Way's Bridget Fox said Wilson will be honored May 18 by the United Way for her volunteer and philanthropic efforts with the Heart of Gold award.

Fox said the event not only stresses reading but it also promotes links between schoolchildren and businesspeople.

"It's a way to ensure there is a connection between our business community and our public school system," she said.

In 2002, the Workplace Volunteer Council launched the Business to Books Read-a-thon program. The initiative was designed to enhance public education through volunteer efforts by local businesses.

This spring, 12 elementary schools in Stamford with 2,800 children will be visited by volunteers from local companies including: Deloitte, GE, Greenwich Associates, Holland & Knight, Kelley Drye & Warren, Legg Mason, Nestle Water North America, Preferred Brands International, Shipman & Goodwin, Starwood Hotels, U.S. Trust and Xerox.

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