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LeVar Burton says Seth MacFarlane pledging up to $1 million for ‘Reading Rainbow’ fundraiser

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FILE- This June 19, 2012 file photo shows LeVar Burton introducing the all new Reading Rainbow adventure app to the media, publishers and parents at the "Reading Rainbow Relaunch" event in New York. Actor Seth MacFarlane, creator of "The Family Guy," animated series, has agreed to match up to million in contributions to the Reading Rainbow Kickstarter fundraising campaign by LeVar Burton that ends July 2. Burton\'s goal of raising million by July 2 was reached within hours of the campaign\'s May launch, according to the website. (AP Photo/Reading Rainbow, file)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – LeVar Burton says his “Reading Rainbow” fundraising effort is getting a generous boost from Seth MacFarlane.

Burton said Thursday that MacFarlane has promised to match up to $1 million in pledges made on the Kickstarter website. The offer from MacFarlane is in effect through 3 p.m. Eastern on July 2, Burton said in a statement.

The “Star Trek: Next Generation” star hosted the children’s literacy program that aired on public television through 2009.

“Reading Rainbow” was launched as a tablet app in 2012, and Burton aims to expand its reach with a $5 monthly online version.

More than $4 million has been pledged so far by 83,000-plus contributors.

Burton says his pal MacFarlane jumped in after hearing that “Reading Rainbow” needed to raise at least $5 million.

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