From cover to cover: Charles Sealy II, Rotary Clubs Bahamas Assistant District Governor, reads to children at Rotary's 5th Annual Reading Fair, sponsored in part by Bank of The Bahamas. The Saturday event drew more than 600 students from six primary schools. (Photo by Derek Smith, Jr.)

Nassau, Bahamas - More than 600 primary school students, parents, teachers and volunteers turned out to turn pages at the 5^th Annual Reading Fair hosted by the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise on Saturday, March 12 at The College of The Bahamas' Band Shell Grounds.

With a goal of rousing excitement about reading and the importance of staying in school, the club and supporters, including Bank of The Bahamas, took time to read to students from six primary schools located near COB.

“We definitely want to thank corporate Bahamas and other service organizations for responding so well not with cash donations but with donations in kind,” said Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise president Karen Pinder. “It was heartwarming to see all the educators and volunteers come out and support us. Without the sponsors, we would not be able to put on this event which is so meaningful and encouraging to the children of The Bahamas.”

Get read-y: More than 400 primary school students gathered on the grounds of The College of The Bahamas Saturday for the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise reading fair. Bank of The Bahamas helped sponsor the event as part of a broad community outreach program. (Photo by Derek Smith, Jr.)

Volunteers, including Minister of State for Social Development Loretta Butler-Turner, turned out to help with the event. Among other contributions, Bank of The Bahamas arranged for a presentation by author Keshelle Kerr, who asked youngsters, "If you had to design the dollar bill, what would it look like, what would you call it?"

"The kids were really creative and we got quite a few sheets with some great drawings – some of which referenced BOB on their bills," said Kerr, who also shared what she called the five jobs of money.

Bank of The Bahamas is also sponsoring a Kiwanis reading fair March 26.