Willie's Wagon Adventures

Sending More Kids To Camp

2009-08-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the great effort at Caper's Restaurant in Longmont, Colorado --we were able to help raise a couple of hundred dollars to help the cancer camp near Estes Park. We are just getting started and will be doing a much bigger event there something this fall/winter.

Colorado Signing to benefit camp near Estes Park

2009-07-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

So here's the deal---

This Saturday from 5-7pm Caper's Italian Bistro in Longmont (600 S. Airport Rd.)
is hosting a book signing! All the of the proceeds from the sales of the children's books, and some of the proceeds from that nights restaurant receipts, will go to sending kids battling cancer to a special camp near Estes Park? (http://www.wapiyapi.org)

I'll be signing copies of "Willie's Wagon " (ages 6-9) and "A Hog Ate My Homework" (ages 7-11) ( Just $7 each). We will also have giveaways every half hour. Free coloring books and bookmarks will also be given out to every kid.

Please forward this to any friends (or post it on blogs etc) that you think would enjoy a good meal, a good children's book (or two) and supporting a good cause!

Let's fill the restaurant and have some fun!
See ya Saturday night!

For more on what we are doing check out www.willieswagon.com. There is a video there of a similar camp we visited last year.

Frankie The Pig Gears up for Events

2009-07-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Frankie will be joining me this coming Saturday for presentations of the children's book "A Hog Ate My Homework!"

We will be at John Deere Pavilion in Moline at 10:30 am Saturday--then in Burlington at Westland Mall (in front of B. Dalton's) from 2-4pm.

Hope to see you then!!!!!

Pig Preps for Fair

2009-07-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Frankie, the pot-bellied pig, is on a mission. She is helping spread the word about "A Hog Ate My Homework!" see you at Louisa County Fair July 28th at 1pm!

Summer Reading!

2009-07-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

I am exciting to see that so many groups are really working hard to keep our kids reading this summer. I have attended a number of events--and have many more lined up.

I am also working ahead to another busy school year with both Willie's Wagon and A Hog Ate My Homework! Willie's next adventure is in the works, too.

I hope your summer is going well.

I want to hear from some of you. It has been awhile.

Back to the blog!

2009-06-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

Now that a great year of school visits is in the books, I can get back to things like writing! Part of that is catching up on this blog which I have let sit idle way too long.

I know some of the children we have been getting to know are getting ready for this year's cancer camp in Boone, Iowa. Many of them have been counting the days. Some new campers are fighting the jitters as expected.

I want to thank so many schools, teachers and students who have helped us help the camp in any small way we can. We have mananged to put together thousands of dollars in donations so that more children can go to camp. No one is turned away at the Heart Connection Cancer Camp--but the non-profit has to cover its expenses just like the rest of us.

Post replies and let's get talking again! Thanks for your support with Willie's Wagon and A Hog Ate My Homework!

Gary

What A Day--What an Honor!

2009-01-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

I think Friday afternoon will go done as one of those milestone days for me and my two books. As i was in Denver at the recognition event for the Children's Moonbeam Award for A Hog Ate My Homework (and attending the ALA convention) I got more great news! We just won a Mom's Choice Award for Willie's Wagon!

I had called home to tell Pam things were going very well--and asked her to check email. I had heard from another author that the results were in for the Mom's Choice Awards. At first Pam didn't see the email, so I thought we didn't win. Then came the exciting call out--
"Here it is --let me read it to you!"

What a day--what an honor!

This should help our grassroots effort to get the book out there. I appreciate your help too. Any blogs and reviews you can think of--please help us spread the word!

Gary

Pig at school!

2008-12-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

Frankie is a big hit with the kids! Our new family pet-- Frankie the pig--is also helping us spread the word about our new book A Hog Ate My Homework!

We visited Wapello's elementary school a few days ago and had a blast. Frankie took over the library for awhile, posed for pictures, and strutted the halls visiting children.

In one photo--- Frankie is getting to know my new friend Tabitha.
We continue to raise money to send kids to cancer camp.

Enjoy the holidays!

The shhhhhh Reader

2008-12-03T12:52:00.001-08:00

At a great event in Maquoketa, Iowa this weekend I had a tremendous turnout at the Old Lumberyard Gift Shop. We had a steady stream of people for an hour and a half!

But of all the kind and caring people I met, one boy stood out. He was about 10 or 11. He stood in line with his mom and got a book for his sister. About 20 minutes later, he came back when the line was gone. He put some money down and said, "i need another copy for my sister." I noticed a hesitation in his voice and set down my pen.

"You sure this book isn't for you?" I asked.
He nodded 'yes'.
I said he could whisper if he wanted. He leaned over and said the coolest thing. "It's really for me--but i don't want to say it out loud. I started reading my sister's copy and I couldn't stop reading."

I happily personalized a copy and told him to rest assured--I have loyal 6th grade readers too and that he shouldn't have to be embarrassed to read my books. What a cool exchange. It is one I will never forget.

TOO BUSY TO BLOG???!!

2008-12-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

That's a good thing! I have so many wonderful stories to share--but so little time to sit down and write them.

The highlights--
Willie's Wagon continue to raise money to send kids to cancer camp and inspire healthy children to make a difference.
The journey continues with book number 2--A Hog Ate My Homework! Willie's new adventure went directly to the number one spot at Borders and Barnes and Noble in Davenport!

We also just won our first national award! An early reader award with the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards.

The best part is--i am meeting so many of my young friends that are inspired to do things for other people. I'll share more soon.
Enjoy your family this season!

DUNE BUGGY KICKS INTO GEAR!

2008-10-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

On Saturday the Willie's Wagon dune buggy got a chance to hit the road and bring a big smile to the face of a courageous little boy. Sergio has been undergoing some serious treatment for cancer and needed a lift in spirits. He lifted our spirits too as we met at a fundraiser for him and gave him a ride he won't forget soon.

He wanted to drive--but since he has a few years still to go before he can get behind the wheel-- I drove. In the backseat sat my son Adam --and another cancer buddy Chance. Chance and his family have been helping Sergio and his by sharing their experiences.

It was quite the ride. and you know what, there is really something about seeing a little boy who has been so sick break out with a really big smile!

Illini says 'hi'

2008-09-18T15:42:00.001-07:00

What a luncheon! I was honored to be invited to Illini Hospital to talk with the auxillary group that supports the facility. This group of dedicated women raise thousands each year to help buy new equipment and support the hospital in a variety of ways.

We got the chance to talk about Willie's Wagon and the incredible show of community support that has resulted from its introduction.

After the presentation, many left with two or three signed books for children, grandchildren or even for themselves. They give in so many ways. Hats off to you for your work!

Laboring On Labor Day

2008-09-01T14:24:00.001-07:00

Willie (and I) had some time off this summer to catch our breath. But now we are busy prepping for a very busy fall. Willie's new adventure is set to be released in early October.

We are pleased to have already been contacted by several shops and venues hoping to host a Willie event this fall and winter. Our school visits resume in January!
Stay tuned--the excitement is really building!

OUR SUMMER CAMPING ADVENTURE

2008-08-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

This year has been a year of firsts for my family. I published my first book 10 months ago (Willie's Wagon-of course). I went to cancer camp for the first time this spring (for more go to www.willieswagon.com). I went to vacation bible school to present the story. And then I went on vacation to---you guessed it--camp!

We just spent 10 great days visitng family in Colorado and camping in the spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park. I hadn't tent camped in years, but thanks to my neighbors Bruce and Lori, who loaned us a last minute tent, we set up camp in the national park. In fairness, we also spent three days in a cabin where we could shower and sleep on something besides rocks and leaking twin air mattresses.

We had a great time. I keep my personal life --personal. But i felt the need to post our camping adventure because so much of the past year has revolved around--camp. The time spent with my family in the great outdoors in priceless. That was the driving force behind our desire to send sick children to camp. I know, just like we just did, camp can and does create memories that last a lifetime.

Vacation Bible School Camp

2008-07-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

Dozens of children took a break from the pool and other fun events at Camp Loud Thunder to learn about other campers.

As the children gathered around in a big circle beneath a cluster of old oak trees--i shared the story and inspiration behind my first children's book--Willie's Wagon.

After the presentation, I invited a friend to come up and talk, too. Dani is a cancer survivor. This was her final year as a camper at The Heart Connection's Oncology Camp (I call it cancer camp for short). This year was her final year as a camper. Next year she will be a councilor.

It was great to see all of the children listening carefully to what she was saying. She talked about how similar 'cancer camp' is to their bible camp. She talked about friendships formed that she will treasure for ever. Friendships being formed right now at camps all over the area.

The kids asked a lot of questions--like 'what is was like to lose your hair'? But they are doing more than asking questions and having fun at camp. These boys and girls are competing to see who can raise the most money this week. That money will go to -----you guessed it, send children to cancer camp next year.

Great job kids at Vacation Bible School Camp! You are making a difference!

Frogs, Snakes, and Catfish in the Pool!

2008-07-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

I have never been to camp before. As a child, we spent most of our summers playing sports with neighbors and heading to a small cabin our family had at a place called Twin Lakes.

Twin Lakes had a deep pool (20 feet deep) with a sand bottom. Sometimes the lake-fed pool would be home to small catfish that would fin your feet when the screen came off the pump. There were also countless frogs swimming beside you. Occasionally a water snake would appear right beside us! Of course because the water was cloudy, you had no idea what was under you.

Willie has been going to more friendly camps. Next week we are presenting at a vacation bible camp in Andalusia, Illinois. The kids there want to raise moeny to send a sick child to cancer camp next year. We are also set up to visit a new camp, Camp Genesis, that caters to children who have had a family member affected by cancer.

Willie is off to camp--- no fish, snakes or frogs to worry about :)

Gary

2008-07-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

So now that we are blogging, I am eager to hear from you. In particular, I want to hear from those of you who have attended a Willie's Wagon event! There have been a lot. We visited over 55 schools so far! We expect this year to exceed that as we get ready to launch Willie's next adventure.

Thanks for taking part!

Do any kids read when they don't have to? Yes!!!

2008-07-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

Who says kids don't read during the summer? I just had a great turn-out for an event at the Burlington, Iowa public library. We filled the reading room with about 150 people!

The local newspapers and radio stations, as well as the really sharp library staff, did a great job of getting the word out. Then--the parents and kids did the rest! We had a fun presentation and hopefully inspired some children.

Speaking of inspiring---I was the speaker at a Burlington Rotary luncheon as well today. I got to meet a group of boys and girls they call 'Rota-kids'. No--not robo cop.

These kids commit to doing something special for a charity of their choosing. We are giving them 100 copies of Willie's Wagon to sell at the local Fareway grocery store. They will keep all the proceeds to donate to the charity of their choice. They have done other fundraisers in the past. One of them included helping support the humane society. Another was giving tennis balls to police dogs in the area for training and fun.

What a great group of kids.

Let's keep this thing going. Groups are jumping on the bandwagon to support and promote Willie's Wagon!

2008-07-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Okay--so now we are blogging! It's been a cool first few months with Willie's Wagon and all of the events and charities around it.

I welcome your thoughts, appreciate your help and look forward to you joining the adventure that is Willie's Wagon!

About Willie's Wagon

2008-07-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

There is something about a child’s smile: that simple, naïve grin that is full of energy—full of life—full of unfiltered love and happiness.

Maybe that is why it touches me so much to see a child without a smile, children who are so sick they have to strain to manage a grin. Those images inspired me to write my first children’s book. I fully understand I won’t cure cancer, I won’t end suffering, I won’t make tumors disappear—but I can do my part to try to bring a smile back.

Willie’s Wagon is a story about a seven year old boy trying to understand himself and his place in this world. On this journey he learns that there is so much more to life than just what he needs. He makes a discovery not just of a wagon—but of himself and what he can do for others. Reaching out to help bring a smile to the faces of children fighting cancer becomes his mission.
It is a story that I hope will inspire healthy children to follow Willie's lead—or at least to better understand what they have to be thankful for.

Portions of the sales of this book will support Gilda’s Club’s very important children’s outreach program and help send kids with cancer to a special camp called The Heart Connection Summer Cancer Camp. Why send kids to camp? My interest in sending kids to camp stems from my enjoying camping with my own two sons. I want to help children who may not otherwise get the experience of camping. This special camp for children with cancer has a complete medical staff that can meet the needs of very sick children who get the rare chance to leave the hospital bed or their bedrooms to be like other kids—if only for a day or a week.

I hope you jump on the bandwagon—Willie’s Wagon.

Visit the Willie's Wagon Web site.