The Jester and Pharley Phund

Our literacy programs give students a unique and engaging way to help ill children while expanding their own reading skills. Children and teachers mirror The Jester's journey on a Read-A-Thon that earns Jester books and dolls for hospitalized children in their community.

One fourth grader said, “This is the best thing our school has ever done.”

Our educator manuals offer teachers valuable tools to reinvigorate the learning atmosphere with fun, innovative, teacher-originated activities.

For years to come, teachers will benefit from creative, standards-based lesson ideas using concepts in ‘The Jester’ to expand learning in all subject areas.

Students at hundreds of participating schools have read 26 million pages to bring the Jester's joy to thousands of ill children around the country.

Educators throughout the country endorse The Jester & Pharley Phund for providing exciting ways to motivate students to expand their reading skills and develop character.

"The Jester Has Lost His Jingle has inspired the students. They have been cheerful, better friends to others, and have had a better attitude overall. David has taught all of us that each individual has the opportunity to make a difference in the world, beginning with ourselves first."
--2nd Grade Teachers,Solana Vista School, Solana Beach, CA

“One student who read more than any other is a 5 th grader who was reading two-and-a-half grades below grade level and did not have a satisfactory comprehension of English. He is now reading above grade level, and his English has improved significantly. I attribute this dramatic improvement to the motivation your program provided.”
-- Principal, Dooley Elementary School, Long Beach, CA

“Our students don't often have the opportunity to help someone less fortunate than themselves. Reading for sick children whom they don't even know was an unfamiliar concept for them, but it gave them the opportunity to exhibit empathy and pride in a job well done."
-- Principal, Point Fermin Elementary, San Pedro, CA

“This program reached far into the hearts of our kids and gave them an opportunity to demonstrate what a caring, compassionate person does for others."
-- Librarian, Lincoln Elementary School, Long Beach, CA