Lemonade stand pays for author’s way

While many kids dream about winning the big soccer game or starring in a major play, the 15 kids of Book Club dream a little differently. They wanted to meet one of their favorite authors, Kate Klise, and bonded together to make that dream a reality.

“We did a lemonade stand/bake sale on Balboa Island this past weekend to raise money,” said Jill Fales, a Newport beach mom who formed the book club two years ago.

Fales hosts the monthly meetings in her home for second- and third-graders. After reading Klise’s “Regarding the Fountain,” the club wanted to organize a fundraiser so they could pay to bring her to one of their meetings.

“Everyone participated on some level,” Fales said of the lemonade stand/bake sale. “The people who couldn’t be there either baked stuff or dropped off cups and napkins.”

This effort by the club proved a success, as they were able to raise $500 for Klise’s visit from Missouri, which is scheduled for June 16.

It is a unique privilege that the book club will be able to welcome such a popular author to one of their meetings, as Klise usually visits school gatherings.

Arranging the visit did not come about without persistence, though.

“I called Kate Klise’s publisher and explained that we’re not a school but a private book club and we wanted to arrange a visit, but it wasn’t easy because it was like inviting Sidney Sheldon over for lunch,” Fales said in comparison to the world-renowned author.

Despite the challenge, Klise heard about their efforts and agreed to come meet the children and host a writing workshop, Fales said.

“She even asked the club to help her with editorial input for one of her works in progress,” Fales said.

Book Club member Caylee Talbot, 7, said she and the other children are looking forward to the visit.

“I’m looking forward to the activities,” Talbot said. “And I’m looking forward to listening to what it’s like being an author.”

Fales said she is proud of the effort the children made.

“It’s really exciting for kids to be able to see the link between having a goal and working toward it,” Fales said. “And to see 8- and 9-year-olds this excited about an author is great as a parent.”

The book club will be hosting another lemonade stand/bake sale for the event at 11 a.m. today, where Collins Avenue hits the Bay on Balboa Island.

The 13th Annual Balboa Island Parade, which will be along Bayside Drive, will be nearby, so visitors can stop by Book Club’s stand for some refreshments. The bridge to the island will be closed from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the 11 a.m. parade.

Book Club’s drinks and goodies are free, but donations are appreciated.dpt.04-lemonade-CPhotoInfoG31RKN5G20060604j09plbncCourtesy of Jill Fales(LA)Book club members Janey Fales, Sam Skinner, Hannah Dafferner, Payton Fales and Caylee Talbot are running a lemonade stand on Balboa Island Sunday to help pay for a visit from one of their favorite authors.