Indianapolis Colts, Baker & Daniels Teammates in "Read, Dream, Succeed!"

The Indianapolis Colts and Baker & Daniels are teaming in a new partnership to promote literacy and encourage Hoosier families to spend time reading together. Once each month from September through December, Colts' tight end Jacob Tamme and mascot Blue will participate in a free "Read, Dream, Succeed!" Family Reading Night at an Indianapolis area community center.

Each event will include a book giveaway, snacks and a story time featuring Tamme and Blue with life-size props and audience interaction. According to the Indiana Literacy Association, there are between 800,000 and 1.5 million individuals in the state whose literacy skills are beneath the threshold for what is considered necessary for life in America.

"Reading is so fundamentally important to a child's development, and we are pleased to partner with the Colts to bring that message to our community," said Melanie Green, Director of Business Development & Marketing for Baker & Daniels. "We hope that through these programs, children and parents realize that reading is not only developmentally important, but it's also a great bonding experience between the parent and child."

The "Read, Dream, Succeed!" Family Reading Nights are part of the Colts' Blue Ribbon Literacy Campaign, which was launched by the Colts in 2007 to support literacy initiatives and encourage Hoosiers of all ages to spend more time reading. The initiative also fits into the community enrichment program of Baker & Daniels, which includes the firm's work with Indianapolis Public School 39 where lawyers and staff volunteer their time to tutor students. For the "Read, Dream, Succeed!" program, Baker & Daniels organized a book drive for the Family Reading Night book giveaways.

"The Colts are excited to join with Baker & Daniels to host the 'Read, Dream, Succeed!' events that will engage Indiana families and help reinforce the importance of reading together," said Stephanie Mathes, Indianapolis Colts Community Relations Coordinator.

Baker & Daniels, which has two law offices in Indianapolis, also has teamed with the Indianapolis Colts as a founding partner of Lucas Oil Stadium, which became the club's home venue at the start of the 2008 NFL season. The six-year-deal as a founding partner in the 63,000-seat stadium includes naming rights for the upper and lower level Baker & Daniels East Club, as well as media advertising and opportunities to network with the Colts in community-related events
and programs.