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A new Johnny Appleseed? Good things grow from the pearls this author leaves behind!
For Immediate Release
Contact: Adrianna Sloan of Beyond Words Publishing (503.531.8700)
Mary Olsen Kelly's current book tour is an example of old-fashioned handselling combined with a philanthropic purpose. Book signings become a chance
for the author and bookstore to build lasting relationships in the community, as they raise money for local charity and service
organizations at each destination.
Kelly and Beyond Words Publishing decided to take a creative approach in spreading the word about Path of the Pearl: Discover Your Treasures
Within (ISBN: 1-58270-085-0, Sept. 2002, $16.96 Hardcover 5 x 7, 160 pp) — a book that exuberantly breaks away from standard self-help fare.
"Mary Kelly's book deserves to make a special impact, and we're thrilled that booksellers want to participate. It's been a pleasure
for everyone — especially for Mary and the charities involved — to organize these special events. In each community,
people are seeing the Path of the Pearl's message in action," says Cynthia Black, President and Editor in Chief of Beyond Words Publishing.
Refreshingly, Path of the Pearl invites readers to embrace difficult situations instead of running from them. Like the
pearl oyster that turns an irritant into art, Kelly encourages readers to transform challenges into opportunities, annoyances
into love, and imperfections into gifts. It's a book for anyone who wants to courageously face life head-on and grow.
Kelly and Black organized charity auctions to benefit deserving organizations along her book tour's path. Kelly is a pearl expert and the co-owner
of Hawaii's famous Black Pearl Galleries. At book signings across the country, Kelly has led silent auctions for specially designed
“Path of the Pearl” pendants, each featuring a unique Tahitian black pearl set in gold. Generous bidders weren't the
only winners:
- From a signing at Third Place Books, Seattle's Lake Forest Park Stewardship Fund received $200 to help protect local lakes and
streams.
- Lake Oswego Unity Church in Oregon received $400 for their Food from the Heart charity, which feeds and clothes the
homeless. That money will provide warm gloves and socks for 125 people.
- The auction at Transitions Bookplace in Chicago raised $195 for Gilda's Club, an organization that provides therapy
and support for those diagnosed with cancer and their families.
- The Assistance League of Diablo Valley, which provides professional tutoring to schools where children do not qualify
for state-funded reading assistance, was the beneficiary of the auction at a Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Walnut Creek,
California.
- Other events in California raised money for the Francis's House, a homeless shelter, and the International Rescue Committee, which
assists refugees around the world.
Along Mary Olsen Kelly's "path of pearls," you'll find stronger communities, thrilled pearl winners, successful booksellers,
inspired readers, and a very happy author. As her book Path of the Pearl reminds us, valuable gems can grow from our effort
and creativity — even on a book tour!
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