Bess’s Latest News
Lightning Foundation
In 2011, Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, along with his wife, Penny, launched the Lightning Community Hero program, which is a collaboration of the Vinik Family Foundation and the Lightning Foundation, to distribute $10 million to deserving Heroes and non-profits...
CITGO Fueling Good
The CITGO Fueling Good® Program is a philosophy that transcends our geographic and socio-economic boundaries and encourages everyone to get involved in their community and share the responsibility for improving the lives of others. The principles of Fueling Good can...
Townsend Press
Townsend Press supports a variety of educational organizations that work to improve literacy in schools and communities where funding is scarce. We have been proud to call them our partners since 2010.
Bess the Book Bus Hits the Road
from the Tampa Bay Times. Article by Philip Morgan Video games and television haven't completely taken over the minds of America's children. The driver of Bess the Book Bus can attest to that. "It's always so fascinating to me to see them get as excited as they are...
Collaboration is the Key to Putting Success in Sight
It is an incredible thing to be living my dream. These last 10 years have been full of “pinch me” moments and the fear that I would wake to find I had simply been dreaming. There were even a few times I felt more like a character in a movie than a woman living her...
The Ripple of Good
Good news travels fast. It's true. All it takes is one person telling another, and the ripple of good begins. Imagine walking out on a Saturday morning and seeing a big yellow bus with a sign that says free books. That's what Joey, Roman and Mackenna saw while walking...
A Better Vision for Our Children
In 2008, there were more murders in Chicago than U.S. soldier casualties in Afghanistan. Englewood is one of five Chicago neighborhoods that has seen more than 100 murders since 2007. Last year, Jennifer received a request for a visit from a school located inside the...
Giving the Gift of Healthy Sight
When David was asked how he liked his new glasses, he said they were a little weird. He laughed as he moved the new pair up and down, noticing the difference instantly. It had been more than a year since his last vision screening and his prescription needed an update....
Transitions Championship Puts Success in Sight for Tampa Bay Area Students
A good golfer is happy with a drive that goes beteween 300 and 400 yards. But from behind the 18th hole at Innisbrook, Bess the Book Bus is hoping to make it all the way across the country. Since 2009, the Transitions Golf Championship has served as the kick off event...
The Magical World of Words
“This place is full of magic,” said nine-year-old Jamelia as she stepped on the bus. The ceiling was painted in Starry Night swirls and the shelves were stocked with books, thousands of books. A smile stretched across her face as she imagined the possibilities....
One Month in Maine pt. 2
Millinocket The 2011 Transitions/VSP Success is in Sight tour encountered a set back when Bess the Book Bus broke down en route to Millinocket. Getting a tow turned into an ordeal, but the worst part of the day was missing our event. Aid for Kids brought a care...
One Month in Maine pt. 1
After three months on the road, Bess the Book Bus finally found a home away from home. The 2011 Transitions/VSP Success is in Sight tour traveled to Maine for a full month of mobile literacy outreach. We were able to spend so much time in the state because of the...