Author Driven Charities and Non-Profits
As the end of 2013 approaches VJ Books, an online seller of collectible fiction, recommends that you take a break from stuffing those unwanted items into bags destined from the Goodwill, Salvation Army or other local charities, and consider special causes promoted by NY Times bestselling authors.
Many well known authors take an active part in giving back to their communities through their own nonprofits and by promoting other worthwhile causes.
David Baldacci and his wife Michelle are the founders of Wish You Well Foundation, supporting family literacy in the United States by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational programs. (www.wishyouwellfoundation.org)
Steve Berry and his wife Elizabeth have launched History Matters to assist communities around the world with historic restoration and preservation, to help rescue those links to our past that are endangered because of poor conservation. (www.history-matters.org)
Bestselling author James Rollins has founded Authors United for Veterans to raise awareness and funds for USA Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping soldiers and their families in their time of need. (authorsunitedforveterans.org)
Sandra Brown founded The Moira Anderson Foundation whose aim is to provide a place of safety and support for children and adults who have been affected by Childhood Sexual Abuse. (www.moiraanderson.org)
Taking his attention away from the Dirk Pitt Adventures series, Clive Cusssler founded the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving our maritime heritage through the discovery, archeological survey and conservation of shipwreck artifacts. (www.numa.net)
Author Brad Meltzer supports several notable causes including: Big Brothers/Big Sisters (www.bbbsa.org) – matching kids with mentors since 1904, Big Brothers/Big Sisters is the nation’s oldest and largest youth mentoring organization, The Arc (www.thearc.org) – an incredible organization of and for people with mental retardation. Helps families, provides information, and fights the big fight by treating people with dignity and respect, and Sharsheret (www.sharsheret.org) – started by one of Brad’s law school friends, it’s one of the few organizations in the world that focuses on young women with breast cancer. It’s also the place that truly helped Brad’s Mom when she was fighting her losing battle with the disease.
“We are truly honored to work with these authors,” says Virginia, co-founder of VJ Books, “they are generous with their time and money, and have huge hearts.”
She continues, “As you plan those year-end tax deductible gifts, please consider these organizations. Or check out your favorite author’s website for more worthy causes. Every dollar helps.”
