First a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the Take the Dare: Show You Care auction launched on the release day for my debut middle grade novel PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE. Like Paris, we dared to do the unexpected and show where our hearts truly lie. I was so proud to be among hundreds of children’s book writers, editors, agents, and illustrators, raising money for a school in need in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The effort raised more than $15,000 for Tulakes in just a few weeks. On Sept 16th, I had the pleasure of visiting Tulakes for the first time and delivering a check in the amount of 13,918.09 – funds raised from the auction itself (minus darned paypal fees) and more than a thousand more dollars in donations through DonorsChoose.org to Tulakes and other schools in Oklahoma. Not to mention book donations made directly to Tulakes.
I am so happy to have an update and photos so you can see what your efforts and dollars have done for this school.

Of course, words cannot describe the joy it was to visit the students and teachers of Tulakes personally. Tears were shed, hugs exchanged, and the students had a wonderful time meeting a children’s book author for the first time. And what a fantastic thing it was to meet the teachers who were eager to have the funds to get the kids the tools and resources they deserve to enhance their reading and writing programs!

I, along with the educators and students at Tulakes, thank you!

Enjoy the photos, reliving the experience with me and knowing that the joy continues each time a child opens one of those books that your time, money, and love got for these kids. Think of the insight each child will gain each time they crack open a dictionary to learn the meaning of a new word. Think of the pride each child will have each time they grab a book from their very own sturdy box that bears their name proudly.

**Before Take the Dare: Show You Care**

**After **

Thank you so much!

Cynthea

P.S. By now, everyone should have received their critiques or prizes for the auction. If you have not, and have not made previous arrangements with me, please contact me immediately at dare@cynthealiu.com.

P.P.S. A special thank you to Michele Parham for your tireless efforts in making this happen for Tulakes. Also to Lori, Maddy and Ashley for being such top-notch escorts during the visit; I couldn’t have had a smoother and more enjoyable experience!

P.P.P.S. And finally, a big thanks to all the authors, illustrators, editors, agents, and writers who made this all possible.  The list is too long to re-list so I’m linking to the auction prizes. Wow! What an event it was!

[View with PicLens]

Related posts:

1. 07/13/09 Paris Pan Launch Update: Over One Hundred Children’s Book Professionals Raise $15,000 for Title I School in Oklahoma
2. 08/09/09 Chicago Sun-Times features Cynthea Liu, Truth & ‘Dare’