BookSpring hosted its annual luncheon on April 21 at the Westwood Country Club. Its charming early 1900’s architecture, hand painted ceiling, and Mexican title floors set the ideal ambience for the 119 BookSpring guests. Total amount raised was nearly $20,000, representing over 8000 new children’s books for Central Texas families.

Some of our special guests included Representative Paul Workman and his wife Sherry, Jim Reist, General Manager of Doubletree, The District Governor of Rotary of Central Texas Bruce Golden, his wife Sharon, and Richard Tagle, CEO of the Andy Roddick Foundation. Joan Wabschall was awarded our first ever Community Leadership award, and nominated for the same award from the Governor of the State of Texas for her tireless advocacy for early literacy.

Thanks to everyone who purchased a table, ticket, or made a donation!

Local Children’s Author Panel Discussion

Our panelists were local children’s book authors, Bethany Hegedus, author of Be the Change, A Grandfather Ghandi, Story Carmen Oliver, author of Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies, Divya Srinivasan, author and illustrator of Little Owl’s Night and Emma J. Virjan, author and illustrator of What This Story Needs is a Pig in a Wig!

They spoke about the power of written words in our modern-day society and the capacity words have to teach others empathy. Their words of wisdom filled the room as they discussed the struggles of becoming a writer as well as the importance of sharing stories with children or anyone interested in becoming writers.

Making a difference across Central Texas

Luncheon Host and Development Chair Michelle Bourianoff explained how books have the power to change lives. BookSpring supporters are no strangers to this concept. All gifts received at the luncheon will enhance BookSpring’s capacity for direct service through healthcare, education, and the community.

Emily Ball Cicchini, Executive Director, spoke of expanding our reach from 40,000 to an estimated 75,000 children, under the age of 12 living in economically disadvantaged households by the year 2020. With your continued support, we can meet our goal of providing all families in Central Texas with a home library of 20 books or more.

Together we can continue to ensure that children have the presence of books at home to create a culture of learning that can only translate to their future academic success. Mostly importantly to provide children with a choice of books ranging in topics of interest.

Thank you for your donations! Particularly our stellar raffle contributors: