Just for Fun

Here are some photos from various events...

Book Bound Writers & Illustrators Critique Group get a rare treat...
a visit from NY editor Alexandra Penfold!
(L to R: Paula Puckett, John Witkowski, Katrice Bryant, Alexandra,
Me, Heather Kolich, Denise Carleton, Robyn Hood Black)

        
Southern Breezers participate in the Decatur Book Festival          Donna and Jo (my Southern Breeze partner-on the right) 
                                                                                                with Stephen Mooser and Lin Oliver - the two powerhouses 
                                                                                            that created SCBWI and keep us running strong!
                                                                                                                             
 
More photos coming soon...

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HURRICANE KATRINA
Comforting Young Victims

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, members from our tri-state Southern Breeze region (AL, GA & MS) helped distribute SCBWI* Comfort Kits to children who lost so much in the storm. 

Thanks to generous contributions of items and funds, children received a colorful tote bag filled with books, a flashlight (to read under the covers), a toy, a toothbrush/toothpaste set, and a note of encouragement. 

Volunteers at SCBWI headquarters in Los Angeles assembled and shipped over 2000 kits, and members delivered them to evacuees in shelters across the country. 

In December 2005, our local critique group (Book Bound) delivered 200 of those kits to the Red Cross, and 100 kits to Christ Fellowship Church.
 
American Red Cross Director Cheryl Vandiver said, “We’re very happy to get these kits, because there’s a real need for children’s books. Books didn’t hold up in the flood.  For children to get their very own books placed in their hands is an important step in helping them to feel more secure.”

Paco Alvarado, Associate Pastor of Christ Fellowship Church, said, "The kids will really enjoy these kits.  They have lost everything, including their books and toys.  It will mean a lot to them to have something they can call their own."

Southern Breeze also went to an elementary school in Orange Beach, Alabama and donated an Author’s Day. Numerous authors visited the school, each doing programs to inspire and uplift the children. We were amazed at the hurricane stories the children shared with us. By the end of the day it was hard to tell who was more inspired…the children, or the authors?!  <grin>

*Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators