Pizza Hut is celebrating 30 years of their “BOOK IT” program. WHAT? Crazy, I know. But that means those of us who remember it fondly get a free pizza. AND YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO READ ANY BOOKS! Wait…I actually liked that part!
First of all, do you remember BOOK IT? Is it a thing people you knew participated in? It was one of the most memorable things about my childhood but I’m not sure how widespread it was. Pizza Hut’s Twitter account says 1 in 5 Americans participated over the last thirty years. I loved it so much I bought a replica BOOK IT necklace on Etsy a few years ago.
From what I recall, we were introduced to it through my school. You got a snazzy holographic button and for each book you read, you got a star sticker. Once you got ten you were elidgable for a free pizza at Pizza Hut. Your mileage may vary on pizza tastings but Pizza Hut was the new shiny thing when I was young and even though my father RAN AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT WHERE HE MADE PIZZA DAILY, I was completely addicted to the stuff.
As it turns out, the program has certainly grown through the years (check out the FAQ here). CNN Money says “the longest-running corporate-supported reading program in the country, and has engaged educators for more than three decades to aid in the effort of helping 60 million children read more than 54 billion minutes” and this anniversary celebration will introduce “a $30,000 College Plan, releasing its first reading App.”
But now I get to experience the joy all over again?? With some Tums, probably.
Calling all doctors, farmers, teachers, celebrities, engineers and adults from different backgrounds who were once BOOK IT! kids. We want to hear from you!
To celebrate the 30th birthday of BOOK IT!, we are launching an Alumni Program for all previous participants. BOOK IT! is on a quest to find and engage alumni from around the world, so sign up today to receive a nostalgic favorite from your BOOK IT! days, a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza for carryout only when redeemed online at participating U.S. Pizza Hut restaurants.
I did it! OMG it’s happening.
With the alumni program you don’t have to read any books, but I wholeheartedly suggest it. Even better, buy a book for a kid you know.
In order to get the free pizza you just have to give them a few bits of info, including where you went to elementary school. You can sign up at http://bookitprogram.com/alumni but you have to do it by October 8. You’ll then receive a coupon for a free Personal Pan Pizza, redeemable from Oct. 1-10.
(via The Daily Dot)
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Published: Oct 3, 2014 11:27 am