2nd & 7
About 2nd & 7
We promote reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need while encouraging young athletes of the community to pay it forward.
WHAT WE DO
We promote reading! 2nd & 7 has donated over 800,000 books to kids in need all across the country since it started in 1999. By engaging thousands of college and high-school student-athlete volunteers across the country, we are inspiring the next generation of readers and leaders.
READERS & LEADERS
ROLE MODEL READING PROGRAM
Our reading program encourages student-athletes from universities and high schools across the nation to participate in weekly readings in second-grade classrooms. While in the classrooms, they are reading to the kids, passing out FREE books for the kids to take home and reminding the kids why it is so important to read.
POSITIVE LIFE LESSONS
HOG MOLLIE BOOKS
2nd & 7 created its own book series featuring a group of friends called the Hog Mollies; each book teaches valuable life lessons. In the fall of 2023, we will distribute our 16th book in that series - The Hog Mollies and the Winter Walk with Wally.
GET INVOLVED
SCHOOL READING VISITS
Student-athletes from universities and high schools across the nation are the heart of our program. They are out in the schools each week, reading to kids, handing out books, and reminding the 2nd graders why reading is so important. They also use the themes in the Hog Mollies books to reiterate valuable life lessons.
FOCUS ON READING
OUR COMMITMENT
Our focus is to encourage 2nd graders to become readers. Studies have shown that if children are not reading well by the end of 2nd grade, there is trouble ahead. We are committed to getting books in the hands of children who need them the most. For many kids we visit, the book we give them may be the only book they have at home.
VOLUNTEER
JOIN OUR HUDDLE
Our student-athlete role models encourage 2nd graders to try their best in school, do their homework, respect their teachers and classmates and READ EVERY NIGHT.
HOW WE STARTED
2nd & 7 was started in 1999 by three former Ohio State Buckeye football players—Ryan Miller, Luke Fickell, and Mike Vrabel. Inspired by their involvement in various community outreach programs as student-athletes, they decided to continue to pay it forward by promoting literacy and providing positive role models for children in central Ohio. That first year, they provided free books to all of the 2nd graders in 7 schools and that is how 2nd & 7 got its name.
Our History
2nd & 7 Timeline
Summer 1999
First Football Camp
Fall 1999
Ryan Miller, Mike Vrabel and Luke Fickell read to 2nd graders in 7 schools
June 2003
First Celebrity 8-Ball Shootout
June 2006
2nd & 7 hires first employee (Executive Director, Amy Hoying)
2006
Gene Smith meeting/OSU Dept of Athletic involvement begins
Spring 2008
The Hog Mollies and the Pickle Pie Party - first book in series is published
Spring 2009
Board of Directors established
Spring 2009
The Hog Mollies and the Rocky Relay Race
Fall 2009
Program grows outside of Ohio
Spring 2010
The Hog Mollies and the Zooming Zackle Zoit
Spring 2011
The Hog Mollies and the Amazing Aquatic Adventure
2011
Albuquerque, NM implements first program using high school student-athletes
Spring 2012
The Hog Mollies and the Camp Carmen Campfire
March 2013
First Derby event
Spring 2013
The Hog Mollies and the Great Golden Gizmo
Spring 2014
The Hog Mollies and the Big Birthday Bash
July 2014
First Pay It FOREward Golf Outing
September 2014
2nd & 7 grows staff by adding two new part-time positions
October 2014
Grand opening of first office at 7949 N. High Street
Spring 2015
The Hog Mollies and Sloopy the Silver Snake
January 2016
First strategic planning retreat for Board of Directors
February 2016
First 2.7 Day celebration
Spring 2016
The Hog Mollies and Huddle's Healthy Halo
September 2016
Staff size doubles to 4
Spring 2017
The Hog Mollies and the Dream Discovery Day
October 2017
Development Director position added to the team
Spring 2018
The Hog Mollies and the Mummy's Mystery Maze
Spring 2019
The Hog Mollies and Little Lily's Legacy
Fall 2019
Staff grows by adding North East OH Regional Program Director
Fall 2019
20th Anniversary of providing free books and positive role models to kids in need!
Spring 2020
The Hog Mollies and the Visit with Victoria
Summer 2020
Virtual Football Camp
Fall 2020
Virtual Reading Program established
March 2021
Jersey Mike's Day and Month of Giving Record Breaking: Over $170k raised
June 2021
The Hog Mollies and Troy's Top Troop
December 2021
Anonymous Donor Sparks Possibility of New Book Bank
February 2022
Multi-City Bourbon Tasting Fundraiser with Bardstown Bourbon (Cincy/CLE/Cbus/Nashville)
Spring 2022
Readers & Leaders Annual Scholarship: 1st Winners Announced
June 2022
The Hog Mollies and Ike & Ivy's Ice Cream Shop
August 2022
First Book Bash @ The Bridge/Speeding to Read Car Show Fundraising Event
February 2023
Columbus Kids' Book Bank GRAND OPENING
February 2023
Proclamation: February 7 is officially named '2.7 Day' in city of Columbus
April 2023
Readers & Leaders Scholarships Awarded for 2nd year
April 2023
1st public book giveaway at CKBB (OVER 4,200 books distributed!)
June 2023
The Hog Mollies and the Winter Walk with Wally
Present
Our programs have grown to nearly 200 communities in 26 states since 1999.