Supporter Spotlight Interview: Sharon and Greg Mischio

Meet Sharon and Greg Mishio, true book heros! Dive into their story, passion, and why giving books matters in today's post.

Can you tell us about how you found out about Madison Reading Project?

Greg: “We live in Madison, and anyone in the local business community around here eventually gets to know Rowan Childs. I met her at a number of business gatherings. Since Sharon and I both come from a family of educators and are avid readers ourselves, we know how important reading is - it is very near and dear to our hearts. We’ve tried to support Madison Reading Project the best we can ever since we got connected to the organization.” 

Sharon: “I found out about the organization through Greg, and it was really great to learn about the work Madison Reading Project does in the community. When I was still in the classroom, my coworkers and I started to appreciate the initiatives the organization has in place to support educators. For a while, before I became a certified parent coach, I did some nannying. One of the kids I nannied for kept bringing home these fun book bags, and they were from Madison Reading Project. It just made my heart so happy to see the types of inclusive books by classic and new authors. I’m really hoping to volunteer more soon!"

Tell me about your experience with reading when growing up. What was your favorite book? 

Sharon: "I liked A Little Princess so much - I think I read it about fifty times. I remember our library had a reading program, and I would fill up these sheets of paper with all of the books I read. I loved reading so much that I would be sneaky with a flashlight under the covers at night to stay up late. I think my love for reading is why I also loved teaching 4th grade so much - I was able to share with them all of the books I enjoyed while growing up."

Greg: "I remember reading The Three Investigators and The Hardy Boys. I loved all of the thrillers and mysteries. While I now read on devices sometimes, getting a physical book is always so much more special. That unique paper smell always takes me back in my memories, especially when I would go to the library as a kid."

What do you love most about the work and mission of Madison Reading Project?

Sharon: "I love that Madison Reading Project gets books into the homes of kids who would otherwise not have access to them. I think this is hugely important as a mom, a former teacher, and now a parent coach. I love how there’s a big focus on cultural relevance and books that kids can connect with - this element really speaks to me as a mom and a parent coach." 

Greg: "Reading is, of course, so crucial in a child’s development, especially in their youngest years. It can also be an outlet of entertainment. It’s also important as the child moves into adulthood. In the professional world, reading is so crucial. We always tell our kids to read so they have the ability to self-educate. For example, when I got my first marketing job after leaving another field, I had to teach myself many of the required skills, even with a four-year degree. Self-learning is so important, especially as more technologies become so common - reading is such a valuable skill to ensure you do not get left behind."

What made you decide to give to Madison Reading Project? Is there a specific program or service we offer that you resonated with? 

Sharon: "It is really the whole thing. To have an organization like Madison Reading Project in the community is a gift. We need to cherish that in Dane County, and we need to help sustain it." 

Greg: "With the way our educational infrastructure is going, especially the lack of support for public schools, the ability to use reading to further your education is so critical for children right now." 

Why do you think it is important to give your time and resources to Madison Reading Project? 

Sharon: "The work of Madison Reading Project depends on people, no matter if you give money, your time, or share events with your friends and social media networks. Generating awareness is so important, especially when considering that some educators may not know they can apply to get 25 free books for their classrooms. The more people who give back when they can and know about the organization through their acquaintances and friends, the more powerful the organization’s mission and meaning can become. There’s always room for growth."

Greg: "Exercising your giving muscle and giving back to the community in whatever way you can, no matter if it’s through volunteerism or financial gifts, can impact someone tonight or tomorrow in the local community. That means so much!"

What do you hope to accomplish with your philanthropy and volunteerism with Madison Reading Project? 

Sharon: "As I’m able to give more time and resources back to the organization, I think it will have an incredible impact. I hope to get to the point in my parent coaching business that I can make a significant gift. Madison Reading Project is such a local community organization and it feels so good to have a role in the work you all do!"

Greg: "In terms of goals, Madison Reading Project has a great team and has been able to accomplish so many things. I know how hard the work can be at times. I want to keep fueling that fire and see you all continue to impact the Madison community one child at a time." 

We recently celebrated our 10th anniversary! What do you hope to see from Madison Reading Project in the next 10 years and beyond? 

Sharon: "The expansion beyond Dane County would be incredible. The more kids, teachers, and childcare facilities you can reach the better. Seeing the work in more areas with the same kind of heart and feeling would be amazing to see."

Greg: "It is going to be interesting to see how things shape up with Artificial Intelligence becoming a major impact on how kids learn today. We need to preserve the value of self-educating oneself through books and resources, as it is so crucial to cultivating a fulfilling learning process."   

What would you like other donors or supporters to know about the work we do? 

Sharon: "It is important for everyone to understand how cool this organization is and really how lucky we are in Dane County to have Madison Reading Project. A lot of kids don’t have the opportunity to get access to books they identify with or that speak to them. It can really change a child’s life when they obtain the tools necessary to get excited about reading. No matter if you are able to donate $10 or $10,000, you’re going to help a child and family. Volunteering helps too, no matter if you’re helping out for an hour or every week for a year, it really makes a difference. As long as you give something and maybe ask a friend if they can too, that is really special."    

Greg: "Books are more than just a reference source - they are also a support resource in many ways and a method to build self-esteem. I love having books on my shelf to look at and know I’ve been able to absorb so much knowledge. For a lot of kids, books offer an escape from very difficult situations and offer a needed safe place to go. There’s so much value in books beyond the material itself. In this increasing technological era, it’s going to be crucial to ensure we support the well-being of kids."  

It's because of people like Greg and Sharon that we're able to support educators and kids across Dane County and beyond. If you're interested in becoming a monthly donor, head to www.secure.qgiv.com/for/madisonreadingproject.