Trent's Birthday Present

Hello Trent’s friends and family,

*THIS IS A BIRTHDAY SURPRISE* Please don't tell Trent!

As all of you know, Trent is the kind of guy who does so much for everyone and never expects anything in return. For his birthday this year I am planning a surprise that will allow anyone in his life who is able, to give a little and help gift him the best birthday present ever from all the people who love him. 

Trent is turning 36 this February, he’ll be celebrating his birthday in Canada away from his friends and family who live all over the US and the world. As many of you probably know, he’s been writing children’s poems and stories since he was young. A few years ago himself and a friend, Saif Azzuz, published a small book of Trent's poems and Saif’s illustrations. Working on this project made him so happy!

Last year Trent pulled out a story he had written about a little girl named Viola, who goes to the beach, has an adventure with bugs and whales and learns a valuable lesson in the end. Together him and I reached out to an artist that he admired to see if they could illustrate his story and together they would publish a children’s book. Unfortunately, the illustrations were just out of our price range and Trent has put this dream on hold while we get settled in the new city.

This year for his birthday, I’m reaching out to his friends and family to see if anyone would be interested in pitching in a little bit of money so that together we can get his book illustrated. My hope is that people will donate any amount of money that they feel comfortable giving and I will pay for the rest. The full cost of the 24 pages of illustrations including a wraparound cover for the book is $2,000. It’s a steal of a deal because the budding artist is a recent graduate from my university. 

IMAGINE:
On the morning of his birthday, I will film him opening a card signed by everyone who has contributed to the gift. All of us will write him a little birthday message and he'll have no idea what the gift is! Then, he'll open the wrapping paper from around a printed DRAFT of his newly illustrated book. He'll definitely cry. Later, Trent and the Illustrator, Amy, will be able to make final adjustments to the drawings before getting the book printed.

*When donating, please write a little message for Trent for me to include in his card from you. And write all the names of your family if you want the gift to be from more than one person!!!*

All donations are welcome! If we go beyond our goal of $2,000 we can even get some copies of the book printed and sent out to all of you!

Thank you so much everyone! Trent loves you all,

Emi