AncestorsFest: A Celebration of the Book Seminar, 1991-2025

Dear Fellow Book Seminar Ancestors:

Like you, I'm absolutely thrilled that we will be able to honor Sam in June! I frequently tell people that this feat, of how many books were born out of this seminar and how many of us Sam has trained and influenced the trajectory of our lives and careers, is astounding.

I asked Sam about costs for this event and, to my horror, learned that he is trying to cover costs himself, which now are about $30,000. Some additional information as to why the cost is so high:

The J School is giving the room for free, with a few thousand dollars needed for weekend security. The majority of the cost is because Sam has hired a caterer (who does J School events) to provide a full dinner and wine/beer/soft drinks service for all 215 of us. This isn't just some snacks. He wants it to be truly special and is intent on spending his own money so that we have a very special evening. (Much like a wedding.) He wants people to come hungry and thirsty and feel sated!

To be clear, Sam is not asking for this help. He kept telling me he can't think of a better use of a chunk of his pay than to fete what we've all done together. And he also kept telling me that so many people are incurring significant travel expenses just to be there.

So this is coming from me, not him. But I suspect many of us will feel like I do and want to contribute. Give what you can, and no pressure if you can't.

Looking forward to meeting you all in person!

Warmly,

Brian

Book Seminar Class of 2006

Author of "Match Day: One Day and One Dramatic Year in the Lives of Three New Doctors"