BOOK IT FOR BOOKS 2025 -- A DAY IN PHOTOS
Such a wonderful day and such a wonderful way to put books into the hands of Northern Virginia children! Book It For Books 2025, RIF NOVA's biannual fun- and fundraiser, was a grand success -- thanks to sponsors, donors, volunteers, runners, walkers, and supporters of all kinds!
We at RIF NOVA are beyond grateful -- with special thanks to our emcee for the day, NBC4's Ted Oberg, and to Justice High School National English Honor Society volunteer Noah Kelaher who donned the costume to play our mascot, Clifford the Big Red Dog. When children in our RIF NOVA-supported schools and sites are able to pick a book of their very own, that's the real payoff! The joy of the day is shown clearly in the photos below.
We at RIF NOVA are beyond grateful -- with special thanks to our emcee for the day, NBC4's Ted Oberg, and to Justice High School National English Honor Society volunteer Noah Kelaher who donned the costume to play our mascot, Clifford the Big Red Dog. When children in our RIF NOVA-supported schools and sites are able to pick a book of their very own, that's the real payoff! The joy of the day is shown clearly in the photos below.
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From opening exercises...
@MikeLeonardPhoto
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To the race countdowns...10K, 5K, and One-Mile! Over 200 signed up to walk or run -- in person and even virtually!
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To the music! Vienna's School of Rock kept up the beat! Even Clifford tried his hand at the keyboard!
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Face painting was provided by volunteers from the Junior Volunteer League!
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And there were plenty of books for children and families! (Of course!)
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Plus food and jewels and swag, too!
Merrifield's Silver Diner provided the yummies!
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Kendra Scott brought a pop-up table for bling shopping!
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RBC, a Hardback sponsor, brought runners and swag, too!
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Cheer teams were out to encourage the runners, with more smiles, hugs, and high fives than you could count...
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@MikeLeonardPhoto
@MikeLeonardPhoto
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@MikeLeonardPhoto
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@MikeLeonardPhoto
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USOA Mrs. Virginia (Dr. Ingrid Bynum) hammed it up with Clifford and the kids! @mikeleonardphoto
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From a chilly dawn set up to a beautiful course in the autumn leaves to the last medal...it was truly a day to remember!
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Thank you from Clifford and the RIF NOVA board!
@MikeLeonardPhoto
Note: Volunteer Mike Leonard took many of the photos at Book It For Books, and they are so noted. He has been taking pictures across the country for over twenty years and offers an array of photography services (family, sports, special events, and more) to memorialize life's best moments. Originally an amateur landscape and wildlife photographer, Mike began fixing his lens on wildlife of a different sorts with the birth of his children -- and along the way Mike Leonard Photo was born. Mike now provides photography services to families, non-profits, volunteer groups, and small businesses across the region, and his work can be found on the walls (and screens) of countless homes across the country. Follow him: @mikeleonardphoto.
