Aloha to Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon - Pass It On

This past week I posted pictures from Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Luncheon here, here, here, and here.  Here are the statistics:

61 authors at each table + 7 readers per table = 488 book lovers in one room

The luncheon tote bags included 11 print books and 13 ebooks.

Barnes and Noble sold over $8000 during the book signing following the luncheon.

Over 100 raffle baskets raised $10,074 for the American Cancer Society.

Barbara kicked off the Reader Appreciation Luncheon in 2012, hosting it on the Tuesday before the RT Booklovers Convention in Chicago.  I remember a group of authors leaving the hotel for the two hour ride to Milwaukee.   The luncheon was held in a community center with Barbara's family volunteering for the prep work.   She had a vision which has come to fruition in four years.  Barbara announced next year her event will be a reader weekend.

The success of this event is shared by Barbara, her family, authors, and readers - all book lovers eager to reach each other. Barbara has created a template for other regional reader events.

I am fortunate that the Maryland Romance Writers participate in the Baltimore Book Festival each fall - my pictures are here, here, and here.   The MRW hosts their own tent with interactive programs which appeal to readers.   The Washington Romance Writers kicked off their own reader luncheon last fall - my pictures are here.  I look forward to attending this year's event on October .

I challenge RWA chapters and other local writers groups to capitalize on Barbara's success to connect with readers in your area.  Long live booklovers!

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter from this week's posts.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Have you attended a regional "reader" event, such as a book signing, luncheon, or even library program?  

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, May 2, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 3.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City