The ASL reading campaign, created in collaboration with award-winning children’s author Barney Saltzberg, is nominated for its support in raising awareness of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the Education or Literacy Program or Platform category.

Gordon Philanthropies announced today that it has been named a Finalist in the Education or Literacy Program or Platform under Awareness Categories, Education, Art & Culture for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards for its work through the “Rock Out and Read Along” campaign created in partnership with renowned children’s author and illustrator, Barney Saltzberg.

Executive Director, Sylvia Beanes, shares, “We are grateful and deeply honored to be recognized by the Anthem Awards. This recognition celebrates our ongoing commitment to improving children’s lives through literacy, compassion, and community.”

“I am greatly appreciative to have formed part of this collaborative project with Gordon Philanthropies,” shared Barney Saltzberg. “As an author, I believe in the power of stories to uplift, inspire, and, more importantly, spark imagination.”

Anthem Winners are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Judges for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards include an esteemed panel of leaders from leading organizations and companies dedicated to social impact, including  Nancy Brown, CEO, American Heart Association, Heather Malenshek, CMO, Land O’Lakes, Inc., Kim Getty, CEO, Deutsch, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Award-Winning Actor & LGBTQ+ Advocate, Belén Frau, Global Communications Manager, IKEA, Linda Roth, Chief Communications Officer, World Central Kitchen, C.D. Glin, Global Head of Social Impact, PepsiCo, and many others.

Gordon Philanthropies is proudly dedicated to transforming the lives of students in underserved communities by fostering a passion for literacy and supporting impactful educational programs. Through its various programs, it aims to empower students with the resources they need to cultivate a lifelong love of reading.

Alongside the Finalist Announcement comes the launch of Anthem Community Voice, an annual voting campaign and celebration to uplift the work of Anthem Finalists. Supporters can celebrate Gordon Philanthropies’ work online from October 14th to October 30th at celebrate.anthemawards.com. All Finalists are also in the running to win a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Anthem Award selected by Anthem judges. All Winners for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards will be announced on November 18, 2025.