Around the World Through Stories: People & Stories Launches $80,000 in 80 Days Appeal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Debra Lampert-Rudman, M.Ed.
Executive Director, People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos
609-882-4926
debra@peopleandstories.org

Around the World Through Stories: People & Stories Launches $80,000 in 80 Days Appeal

Inspired by a supporter’s philanthropic travels and the film Around the World in 80 Days, the campaign invites new friends to discover how literature brings communities together

PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 24, 2026 — A longtime supporter of People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos travels the world and finds ways to do good in the communities she visits. Her example sparked an idea: What if People & Stories invited others on a journey that could do good in communities closer to home?

The film Around the World in 80 Days supplied the clock and the spirit of adventure. Around the World Through Stories — $80,000 in 80 Days began Sept. 13 and runs through GivingTuesday, Dec. 1. Its goal is to raise $80,000 to support approximately 32 eight-week People & Stories programs, at an average cost of $2,500 each.

“I learned that one of our supporters travels widely and always finds a way to contribute meaningfully to the communities she visits,” said Executive Director Debra Lampert-Rudman. “Her example got us thinking about a journey with purpose. Around the World in 80 Days gave us a way to invite others along: 80 days, $80,000 and, along the way, an introduction to the people and stories at the heart of our work.”

For nearly 55 years, People & Stories has brought literature into places where access to it may be limited. Trained coordinators read short stories aloud and guide discussions in English or Spanish in a variety of venues. Participants need no preparation: they can listen, respond to the story and discover what others see in it - bringing their lived experience to the discussion. Programs take place in senior communities, correctional facilities, treatment, re-entry, and recovery programs, transitional housing, libraries, schools and other community settings.

One of those journeys happens regularly here in Princeton. For years, the organization’s Crossing Borders program at Elm Court, an affordable housing community for older adults, has welcomed people from the wider Princeton community to read and discuss alongside residents. A story gives people who might not otherwise meet a reason to sit together, exchange ideas and learn to see the world with fresh eyes.

The idea of traveling through literature goes back to founder Sarah Hirschman, who began People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos in 1972 to share her love of literature with people who had not had the same opportunities to read that she had.

“Literature is such a fantastic thing; so rich and entertaining,” Hirschman said. “It catches your emotions, makes you think, takes you on a journey. In this case, the journey is together with other people.”

A participant in a 2026 program described that experience this way: “I really enjoy reading again... It’s like taking trips and putting myself in the place of the characters and traveling with them.”

Throughout the appeal, People & Stories will share stories and participant moments from its programs. Supporters can follow a hot-air balloon’s progress toward the $80,000 goal while getting to know the communities their gifts help reach. The organization also welcomes individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring the journey.

“This campaign feels so true to People & Stories,” said Board Chair Charley Busuttil of Princeton. “Literature can take us far beyond where we begin, but what makes this work special is that we make the journey together. I hope many people will join us and help us reach our goal.”

Everyone who gives, at any amount, will receive a digital boarding pass to a virtual celebration in mid-December, date to be announced after December 1. The destination and story will remain a surprise. Before the event, guests will receive recipes for a cocktail, mocktail and holiday treat inspired by the mystery destination. Then they’ll gather from home virtually for a story read by a surprise literary guest reader, discussion and a toast to what they have made possible together.

Around the World Through Stories — $80,000 in 80 Days
Stories Connect Us All.

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