Walden Media And Weinstein Company Partner With NEA's Read Across America To Launch "Ticket To A Better World" Benefitting Children's Literacy

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continuing efforts to promote literacy and in order to provide books to those children in America most in need, Walden Media and the Weinstein Company (TWC) have partnered with the National Education Association's Read Across America to launch the "Ticket to a Better World" initiative.  Fifty cents of each The Giver movie ticket sold during Labor Day Weekend will be donated to the Ticket to a Better World initiative to raise up to a quarter of a million dollars to buy books for those children most in need.

Walden Executive Francis X. "Chip" Flaherty stated, "The Giver affirms our belief that individuals must have the freedom to pursue and fulfill their dreams.  That freedom is precisely the gift that reading and literacy provide.  Every time you put a book in the hands of a child, you unleash the power of imagination and hope that can change the world.  We are honored to partner with Read Across America to launch the 'Ticket to a Better World' campaign and get books into the hands of kids who need them the most."

"Books open the floodgates to understanding and to learning," says Anita Merina, national coordinator of NEA's Read Across America. "This generous initiative will help us bring books like The Giver, onto the shelves and into the lives of so many children. At a time when access to books is so critical in the learning life of a child, this initiative is very exciting indeed."

Commented TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein, "Behind this incredible movie that TWC and Walden are so proud of is one of the most beloved books of our time. Joining forces with the NEA's fantastic Read Across America initiative is a perfect opportunity to support the cause for literacy behind the powerful name of The Giver."

To donate, visit www.NEA.org/ReadAcrossAmerica

About Walden Media:
Walden Media creates entertainment for the whole family through successful movies, award-winning books, and acclaimed television programs. A Walden Media production celebrates a great book well told, a great life well lived, or an exploration that expands present possibilities – all while inspiring and entertaining its audience. Past award-winning films include: "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, the "Journey to the Center of the Earth" series, "Nim's Island," "Charlotte's Web," "Bridge to Terabithia," "Holes," "Amazing Grace," and the Sundance Audience Prize Winning documentary "Waiting for 'Superman."

Walden Media recently released "The Giver" - a feature co-production with The Weinstein Company, which opened in theaters nationwide on August 15th. The highly anticipated adaptation of Lois Lowry's novel stars Meryl Streep, Jeff Bridges, Brenton Thwaites, Alexander Skarsgard, Katie Holmes, Odeya Rush and Taylor Swift.

Walden is also producing Universal Pictures' dramatic adventure/thriller "Everest" starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, Keira Knightley, John Hawkes, Sam Worthington, Emily Watson and Robin Wright. Walden is producing with Universal, Working Title and Cross Creek Pictures.

For more information please visit www.Walden.com/tickettoabetterworld/

About The Weinstein Company:
The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films in 1979. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, which has released such popular franchises as SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE. Together TWC and Dimension Films have released a broad range of mainstream, genre and specialty films that have been commercial and critical successes. During Harvey and Bob's tenure at Miramax and TWC, they have received 348 Oscar nominations and won 82 Academy Awards.

About NEA's Read Across America:
The National Education Association is building a diverse nation of readers through its signature program, NEA's Read Across America. Now in its 19th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers. 

For media inquiries please contact:

Lesley Burbridge
Rogers & Cowan
310.854.8170
[email protected]

Tracy Cole
Rogers & Cowan
310.871.8349
[email protected]

SOURCE Walden Media