Neighbor News
Young Bradenton jokester becomes published author
Jordyn Kruse's joke appears in "Little Book - Big Laughs" Riddle Book that helps raise money for children's medical grants
Bradenton second grader Jordyn Kruse, age 8, became a published author on World Smile Day last month, when her riddle was selected to appear in the “Little Book - Big Laughs” Riddle Book.
Her mother, Beverley Kruse, learned about the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation joke book contest through her work, thought it might be fun for her daughter to participate and decided to submit some jokes on her behalf. “I figured she would think it’s super cool to see her favorite joke printed in a book,” said Kruse. “Luckily, I was right! She loves to have fun, be around people and make others feel good whether it’s by a smile or a laugh.”
Jordyn says having her joke chosen for the book “feels really weird and also really awesome.”
Find out what's happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Her joke, which is her favorite: Why did Tiger stick his head in the toilet? To find Poo.
In addition to telling jokes, Jordyn’s interests include cheerleading, gymnastics and Taylor Swift.
Find out what's happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Jordyn’s joke joins those submitted by children from across the country with the publication of not only the “Little Book - Big Laughs” Riddle Book but also the “Little Book - Big Laughs” Knock-Knock Book, which are available through Amazon.com for $5.99 each.
Proceeds from the sales of the joke books go toward the nonprofit UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation’s medical grant program that provides funding to children for health-related services not covered, or not fully covered, by their family’s commercial health insurance plan.
Through the grant, families can receive up to $5,000 annually per child ($10,000 lifetime maximum per child), and do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible. Since 1999, the foundation has awarded thousands of medical grants totaling more than $29 million dollars.
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation President Matt Peterson stated, “In October, we awarded our 10,000th medical grant, and the proceeds from these books will help us further our mission of helping thousands more families in the years ahead.”
The 10,000th child medical grant was awarded to Jacksonville twins Cole and Jake Tattersall, enabling the purchase of hearing aids with updated technology.
To purchase the book, visit Amazon.com. To learn more about UHCCF’s medical grant program and how to apply, visit www.uhccf.org.