Kit arrives at her surprise party.

It was with mixed emotions that the First Book staff gathered for a surprise farewell luncheon for our dear colleague, Kit Lunney. After four years at First Book, there was much to celebrate and reminisce over, through laughter and a few tears.

Kit has been instrumental in so many aspects of First Book’s work, but over the last two years, she has been the backbone of the Book Relief initiative — helping to lead the organization in our commitment to place 5 million new books back into the Gulf Coast region in the wake of the 2005 hurricanes.

Kit is awarded the Key to the City by the mayor of Lake Charles, Louisiana

Having made more than a dozen trips to the Gulf Coast during the last 18 months, the Gulf Coast has become almost a second home for Kit. From meeting with volunteers, to engaging with Recipient Groups, to forging new partnerships and distributing thousands of books from warehouses across the region — every task has been handled with care, even down to the last detail.

But these dedicated efforts haven’t just been noticed by fellow staff — in December 2006, Kit was awarded the Key to the City by the mayor of Lake Charles, Louisiana. We were so proud and were thrilled to help Kit celebrate this honor.

Thank you, Kit, for your hard work, countless hours, and tireless commitment to First Book and Book Relief over the last several years. You truly are an inspiration to us and we don’t know what we’ll do without you. Our love and best wishes go with you as you embark on your next adventures!