We raised $350 for the Oregon Humane Society at our “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy” book release party–thanks to our dog-loving Kickstarter backers, family members and friends.
Our Kickstarter backer, Dania Doose, her daughter Michelle, and her son, Tristen, flew up from California to celebrate the fact that we created a character based on 11-year-old Tristen. They helped us set up the party, sold raffle tickets, took photos, and helped with clean up. We’re so happy we met this wonderfully generous and lovable family!
During the party, Michael announced that we had dedicated our book to his big sister, Ally, who first insisted that our family get a dog. Not only did she bring Lucy into our lives; she was our first reader, and encouraged us to move forward with the “Bash and Lucy” project. She has supported us every step of the way, selling books at fairs, serving as chief public relations adviser, and prepping and dressing Michael for TV interviews and appearances. Our dedication reads, “For Ally, who blesses us every day with her enthusiasm, creativity, wisdom and love.”
We were thrilled that our party took place in Sniff Dog Hotel’s cafe, where guests can watch dogs in doggy daycare behind a large glass window. Sniff, a Kickstarter backer, generously offered us the space and provided servers for the event.
Also attending were two gorgeous dogs from Autism Anchoring Dogs. Our guests got to pet the dogs and learn about how these service animals prevent autistic kids from running away into dangerous places.
Heather Nichols, our talented and generous illustrator, was swamped with requests to do caricatures of the guests, and donated 100% of the sales of her work to the Oregon Humane Society. In this photo, she’s doing a caricature of Dania Doose’s daughter, Michelle:
The kids danced to the music of Mr. Hoo a talented kids’ musician from Portland. Among other songs, he sang “The Rain Song,” about a dog in the rain, which he wrote with some input from Michael. Our guests enjoyed ice cream generously donated by Ruby Jewel Scoops. Also providing donations to support our raffle were Lucky Lab NW, Hip Hound and Sitter for Companion Animals.We also provided kids’ dog books for the raffle.
A number of our Kickstarter backers attended, including Kristi Holden, who was the photographer at our party and snapped many of the photos above, and authors Brian Tashima and Ryan Chin. A big thank you to everyone who attended our book release party and who has supported our book project! Learn more at BashAndLucy.com