Over the last two weeks, culminating on Sunday December 5, IdahoPTV held several on-air membership fund-raising events. Preliminary results indicate that $66,202 was raised to support IdahoPTV's programming and services. Highlights included the broadcast premier of "Vintage Idaho, An Outdoor Idaho Special" and "Josh Groban, Live from the Greek." IdahoPTV would like to thank CableOne.net for sponsoring the "IdahoPTV.org Online Challenge." Also, we'd like to extend special thanks to Carpenters Custom Florists, Edwards Greenhouse, Dillard's, Mr. Formal, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, Pastry Perfection, and Pepsi for their support.

As part of a national effort, READ FOR 2005, Idaho's First Lady Patricia Kempthorne reads to children statewide via Idaho Public Television on Friday, December 3 at 2:30/1:30 p.m. MT/PT. Kempthorne and other first spouses across the nation will read to children for 2005 seconds (approximately 30 minutes). Fifth graders from Mill Creek Elementary School in Middleton, Idaho joined Mrs. Kempthorne in the IdahoPTV studio to tape the reading.

Kempthorne will read from "A Christmas Gift for Mama" by Lauren Thompson and illustrated by Jim Burke. She also reads "The Three Questions," written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth. This book is based on a story by Leo Tolstoy.

"Idaho Public Television is pleased to be part of this national effort by first spouses. It stresses the importance of reading to children even after they can read themselves," said Kris Freeland, KUID Station Manager and Education Specialist.

The program is video-streamed on IdahoPTV's website for viewing any time (idahoptv.org).

Classroom teachers are encouraged to continue the story after the statewide broadcast. Joan Cartan-Hansen hosts the program.