NFL Superstars Tiki and Ronde Barber Score a Touchdown for Literacy With New Children's Book

NEW YORK - Tiki Barber, the versatile running back and kick-return specialist for the New York Giants, and Ronde Barber, the all-pro cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, continue their mission to make a difference off the gridiron with their new children's book, "By My Brother's Side" (Simon & Schuster).

"We congratulate Tiki and Ronde for their extraordinary commitment to literacy and their new book, which will surely help to inspire reading among thousands of children across the country," said Tom Tauke, executive vice president, public affairs and communications for Verizon. "Verizon is proud to count the Barber brothers on our team as we continue our long-term mission to motivate our youth to develop abilities that will shape the framework for success in life."

The Barber brothers this week attended book-launch events in New York including a book signing at the Barnes & Noble store in Rockefeller Center. Also at the ceremony, Verizon announced the donation of 200 copies of "By My Brother's Side" to the New York City Housing Authority's Partners in Reading literacy program in honor and recognition of the brothers' continuing role to support literacy in the country. Partners in Reading is a collaborative effort among the Mayor's office, the New York State Department of Education and the housing authority to heighten achievement and strengthen the literacy skills of children in grades 1, 2 and 3. The program operates after school at 121 public housing sites and serves approximately 6,000 children, providing homework assistance, tutoring and reading instruction.

"We have both been major advocates for literacy for several years, and we're thrilled that 'By My Brother's Side' will help carry our literacy legacy for many years to come," said Tiki and Ronde Barber.

Through the Verizon Literacy Champion program, Verizon partners with celebrities like the Barber brothers, Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Al Jarreau and actor Sean Astin who donate their image and time to help raise awareness about low literacy levels in the United States.

Verizon works to increase community and corporate awareness, raise funds, encourage collaboration among literacy providers, and engage employees in supporting literacy programs. (For more information on Verizon Reads, visit www.verizonreads.net.)

A Dow 30 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $68 billion in annual revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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