Reading for the Cure Seeks Support

CLARION – Many nationally known authors are throwing their support behind Clarion University’s 13th Annual Reading for the Cure, breast cancer awareness program, scheduled for October 15.

 “Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honorary, is asking for more involvement at its convention in March,” said Rachel Stevenson, interim director of conference and event services for Clarion University, who is assisting with Clarion’s 2010 Reading for the Cure. “Although it is a few months away, we are trying to take the program international this year and already have two international locations plus a few in the U.S. and are looking for more.”

 Stevenson, who has a special interest in Jane Austen and performs in costume as the famous 19th Century author, used connections she established through that interest to gain support in the literary community.

 “We have some amazing support this year from many authors,” said Stevenson. “The authors along with several artists are donating items that will be raffled off during Reading for the Cure event. All proceeds benefit the Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure/Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.”

Authors donating signed copies of their books or series of books include:  Jasper Fforde, Caro Peacock, Diane Gaston, Janet Evanovich, Dane Rauschenberg, C. S. Harris, Amanda McCabe, Janet Mullany, Shanna Swedson, Kathryn Miller Haines, Tambra Warner Sabitini, Sheila O’Flanagan, Valerie LaMont, Suzanne Arruda, Ina Garden, Lauren Willig, Leslie Carroll, Deanna Raybourn, Sophia Nash, Carrie Bebris, K.E.M. Johnston, Pam Rosenthal, Karen Essex, Liza Palmer, Kathrynn Dennis, Diane Whiteside, Mary Jo Putney, Sally MacKenzie, Lynn Reynolds, Diane Perkins, Hope Tarr, Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, Meg Cabot, Sharon Kay Penman, Mary Balogh, and Tasha Alexander.

Grammy nominee Niel Deponte is donating an audio CD. Artists Tiffany Electra, Theodora Ruhs and Ruby Cross are donating artwork. May Kay Cosmetics will be donating sample vanity pouches.

“We are still looking for items crocheted or knitted in pink, such as scarfs, hats, and bags, to raffle off during the evening,” said Stevenson.

Stevenson has requested autograph cards from the contributing authors/artists. The cards will be turned into a collage of authors who have joined the cause.

For additional information contact Stevenson at rstevenson@clarion.edu or telephone (814) 393-1763. People may also contact Kevin Stemmler at stemmler@clarion.edu or The English Club or Sigma Tau Delta.