Other than the perfect weather, I was reminded recently why I love Southern California on a First Book trip to Los Angeles — the people. Namely, the dozens of dedicated individuals serving children from low-income families that attended our Meet and Greet in Hollywood on June 2nd. My colleagues Wendy, Chandler and I stayed in Los Angeles after Book Expo America to coordinate a post-BEA donation of over 24 pallets of new books to the United Way Inland Empire, and for a Meet and Greet reception for those interested in learning more about First Book at the offices of LA nonprofit Big Sunday.

With over 80 guests, we had to cancel our PowerPoint presentation because we couldn’t fit everyone inside! With a perfect southern California pre-dusk breeze blowing through the air, the energy on Big Sunday’s patio was palpable as we spoke from the heart about ways our guests can access First Book’s resources for new books. We left California the next day re-energized, thanks to our fantastic LA network of heroes.

Thanks to David Levinson of Big Sunday for hosting the event and for his help with coordinating valet parking (something these east-coasters are not used to). We’d also like to thank all of our Southern California Advisory Boards for joining us (especially the one and only Helen Coffey for her kind words). Finally, we must give a very special thanks to Kellie Cairns, Jose Apolinar and the entire crew from Book Buddies for all their help with refreshements, decorations, and for the tastiest First Book sugar cookies one has ever eaten! We couldn’t have done it without you.

Now, if I can just figure out a way to open a second national First Book office on the West Coast….