Book Island Festival Seeks Friends

Calling all avid readers, writers and book lovers. Heres your opportunity to become a supporter of the Amelia Book Island Festival. The Friends of the Amelia Book Island Festival fundraiser will ensure the continuation of the annual festival; help expand the festival and youth literacy programs in the community.

AMELIA ISLAND, FL (PRWEB) August 10, 2003 -- Calling all avid readers, writers and book lovers! Heres your opportunity to become a supporter of the Amelia Book Island Festival. The Friends of the Amelia Book Island Festival fundraiser will ensure the continuation of the annual festival; help expand the festival and youth literacy programs in the community.

The Book Island Festival is a great event for this community and I personally believe that it is up to the community to support this effort," said Shirley Spaniel, co-chair for the Friends program. It would be a shame to take this event for granted. I would urge anyone who wants to support the cause to become a friend and partner with the organization and its efforts. One of the strengths of the Festival is the Authors-in-Schools Day, when noted writers visit with schoolchildren. I feel that the earlier you promote the love of reading, the more apt you are to develop lifelong readers."

Those who join as Friends ($100 donation), Donors ($250) or Benefactors ($500) will not only support the event, but will also receive valuable member benefits. Benefits range from Festival tickets to book discounts, exclusive party invitations and more. Along with recognition, members of the program are eligible for a tax deduction, since the Amelia Book Island Festival is a not-for-profit organization.

"I hope people will really investigate Friends of the Amelia Book Island Festival because it just offers so many opportunities," said George Spaniel. Forming the Friends program assures us that people are truly interested and their support will help us expand the Festival by attracting even more renowned authors."

To receive additional information, including membership forms, contact Friends co-chairs George and Shirley Spaniel at 904/491-8176 or by e-mail to friends@bookisland.org.

Otherwise to join right away, mail your membership donation with your name, address and phone number to Amelia Book Island Festival, c/o Selena Smith, Treasurer, P.O. Box 824, Amelia Island, FL 32035.

The Amelia Book Island Festival, dedicated to literacy, celebration of the written word and the community of writers and readers, is October 2-5, 2003. It features more than 30 authors of novels, mysteries, histories, suspense thrillers, Florida westerns," poetry and books for young readers.

The festival features several events including Rock-N-Roll Readings, 25 author-led workshops and discussions, Lunch-with-Authors, Dine-with-Authors and Authors-in-Schools. Tickets are available now at BooksPlus, First Coast Community Bank, the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce offices and by mail.

For more information, visit www.bookisland.org or call the Book Island Festival at 904/491-8176.

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