author hosts children book signing to benefit cancer camp

Local Restaurant Hosts Children’s Author to benefit area kids “It’s our way of giving back,” the manager of Capers Italian Bistro on Airport Road explains. The restaurant is hosting a book signing with award-winning author Gary Metivier this Saturday night from 5-7 pm. All of the proceeds from the book sales and a portion of the restaurant receipts that night will be given to Camp Wapiyapi (near Estes Park) for its cancer camp. “Every year I take my family on vacation to Estes Park,” the author explains. “We hike, fish and enjoy the outdoors. It’s an important part of the year for us as a family. I decided a couple of years ago—I wanted to help sick children be able to go to camp to have that kind of experience. There are great groups out there that are making sure they can do that for free.” Metivier, a television news anchor and writer, decided to write his first book “Willie’s Wagon” (Mom’s Choice Winner) as a fundraiser for a local cancer camp. The early reader chapter book quickly became a bestseller and local school children were clamoring for more. “I’ve been invited to more than a 100 schools in the past year. The students kept asking, ‘What’s next for Willie?’ so, I had to get to work on the second book.” Metivier released “A Hog Ate My Homework! A Willie’s Wagon Adventure” (Moonbeam Award Winner) last fall. It also became a bestseller. Combined the books and appearances have helped raise about $60,000 to support children’s charities. “Our goal is simple,” he explains. “We are trying to help inspire healthy children to read and to think of other people—and support sick children along the way.” You can meet Gary Metivier at Capers 600 S. Airport Road, Longmont this Saturday night from 5-7pm. There will be drawings for prizes every half hour. Find out more about his books and projects at www.willieswagon.com. Books are also available on amazon.