Victoria Pilate, Ph.D.
Torment of Thirst Foundation
85 percent of the
incarcerated juvenile
offenders have reading
problems.
77 percent of 12th
graders read below the
basic reading level.
93 percent of 10th
graders in reservation
school systems never
read a single book
outside the classroom.
U.S. literacy rates are
just above average for
a developed nation.
Nearly half of U.S.
citizens scored in the
lowest levels of
reading.
“Because I have known the
torment of thirst, I would dig a
well where others might drink.”
E.K Seton
History
Currently, the Foundation is unincorporated as a 501 nonprofit organization. The
Foundation has its beginnings as part of two tragedies. In May 2001, my aunt
Jeannette died unexpectedly following bypass surgery. She had been a home
economics teacher and held a life-long interest in children. She had never married
and had no children. Much of her adult life was marred by chronic depression and
the chaos from it. Yet, she gave generously to charity, particularly to children's
groups, local food banks and animal shelters.
After her death, my good friend, Mazhar Khan, suggested to me to continue her
charitable work. That encouragement combined with another unfortunate situation
led to the donation of a community reading room in our hometown; approximately
5,000 mostly gently used books for children and young adults were donated.
Several thousands of books also went to the Women's Prison Book Project.
Later in 2003, I published the first charitable entertainment book, To Happiness
and Long Held Wishes in her memory. The proceeds of the book were donated in
full to charity. Printing costs were covered by a yard sale fundraiser and donations.
Plans for Future
The entertainment book, To Happiness, will go into its second printing. Talented
friends donated their time and redid the layout and graphic arts design. The end
result is phenomenal. The book sells for $8; purchasers should make checks
payable to one of the 10 charities listed far below. Book orders will be filled at the
second printing in December 2006.
In December 2007, the release of Happy Times, a new collection of multi-ethnic
recipes and entertainment ideas, is planned. Again, the proceeds will go to
selected charities. Website visitors are invited to send family recipes for
consideration.
Please make checks payable to one of the following charities.
Book Thing of Baltimore
Childline (South Africa)
Eden Garden Orphanage (Haiti)
Esther Benjamin Trust (Nepal)
Ethiopian Book and Children's Educational Foundation (EBCEF)
Firelight Foundation (South Africa)
MSSM Foundation (Merced, CA)
Safe Passage (Guatemala)
School on Wheels (Chicago, Indianapolis and Los Angeles)
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (Jonestown, MS)
