Maine Sports Celebrities Bring Stories to Life at Elementary Schools Statewide

FAME is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Invest in ME Reads Program, which will impact 84,000 students in over 300 schools across Maine by providing free books and financial wellness resources. To kick off the anniversary celebration, FAME hosted a special event for second graders at Sylvio J. Gilbert Elementary School in Augusta on January 28th, bringing together well-known Portland Sea Dogs Director of Broadcasting Emma Tiedemann and Portland Sea Dogs mascot, Slugger.

“We are incredibly proud of the growth and impact of the Invest in ME Reads program,” said Carlos Mello, CEO of FAME. “By reaching tens of thousands of students and their families across the state, we’re not just sharing stories—we’re sparking meaningful conversations about money at home and inspiring lifelong skills that will shape their success for generations to come. Seeing the program support so many students, parents, and caregivers reaffirms our commitment to preparing the next generation for financial success.”

Launch of Invest in ME Reads Events:

The event at Gilbert School is the kickoff to a series of seven statewide Invest in ME Reads in-school events, where FAME and Maine sports celebrities will be on hand to read to students and lead financial wellness activities.

Events will be held at:

Etna-Dixmont School in Etna

Eva Hoyt Zippel Elementary in Presque Isle

Easton Elementary School in Easton

Elm Street School in Mechanic Falls

East Belfast Elementary in Belfast

Andover Elementary School in Andover

Behind the Program:

Since its launch in 2020, the Invest in ME Reads program has grown from focusing solely on second-grade students to supporting all public-school students in first through sixth grade. Designed as a family financial wellness initiative, the program equips parents, caregivers, educators and students with tools to explore financial concepts and educational goals together. Through the program, students receive free books and resources to help them learn about money in a simple and fun way.

This year marks an exciting milestone for the Invest in ME Reads program as it celebrates its fifth anniversary with expanded resources. Educator and caregiver guides, including conversation starters and tips from experts, are now available for all six grade levels at InvestinMeReads.com, an educational website full of fun activities and resources for children and adults, to further enhance learning at school and at home.

The program aims to deepen its impact by increasing connections between students and their families and expanding the number of schools hosting Invest in ME Reads events across the state, furthering its mission of improving financial wellness among Maine youth and their families.

“By expanding the program to include first and sixth graders and providing new resources for educators and caregivers, we’re making financial education more accessible and engaging than ever before,” said Mello. “As we look to the future, we’re committed to building even stronger connections at home and in schools to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.”

For more information about how FAME can support your family’s financial goals, please visit the Invest in ME Reads website.