Four out of five weekdays, French teacher Jennifer Vido rushes from her classroom at JC straight to St. Margaret’s Elementary School to pick up her kids. In addition, she is an aspiring author and spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation. Somehow, she still has found enough time to organize a fundraiser for the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization.
On Friday, February 19, Vido is hosting the fifth annual Author’s Dinner to support the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization.
The women-only dinner is co-sponsored by publishing companies Harper Collins Publishers and St. Martin’s Minotaur. The two authors introducing their newest works will be historical romance writer Tracy Anne Warren and mystery series writer Jane Cleland.
Vido had previously chaired a walk promoting Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness, but came up with the idea of an author’s dinner when she felt like she needed to “do something more” for the cause.
“Because of the economy, I only committed to selling 30 tickets this year, but I ended up selling 60,” said Vido. The turnout has been generally consistent, but according to Vido, it all depends on the date, location, appearing author, and price. “One year, the event was a luncheon, so the prices were lower. Another year, Laura Lippman was the featured author, and 100 tickets were sold. It just all depends on the circumstances,” said Vido.
The featured authors will get a chance to talk about their works and their support for the AJAO. Because of the unexpected turnout, Vido had to request for more books to be available, free of charge, in baskets at the center of the table. After the speeches, guests will get a chance to have their books signed by the authors and can back-list any books they wish to order through Barnes & Noble.
In addition, outside companies, such as Bel Air Athletic Club and Outback Steakhouse, have donated money to the JRA cause through raffle prizes.
Although the tickets are $75 per person, the money goes to the AJAO to aid in forming educational scholarships for the AJAO National Conference. “This event is really important to me. Without it, kids with JRA will not be able to attend the national conference,” Vido said in an informational e-mail sent to all those who were invited.
“We all come together, have a nice dinner, authors get positive publicity, and the money goes to a great cause. It’s really a great event,” said Vido.
Date: Friday, February 19 from 7-10 p.m.
Location: Maryland Golf & Country Club
Cost: $75 of which $30 is tax deductible; included in the ticket price are two books, one of Tracy’s and one of Jane’s.
Menu: A complete dinner, including dessert; (choice of “surf and turf,” or two crab
cakes), and a cash bar.
Questions/Comments? Contact Jennifer Vido at:
[email protected]
Kirby Browning can be reached for comment at [email protected].