Harry Potter mania has hit a new high with the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
A popular Canadian bookseller also turned Pottermania into a fundraising event. The Harry Potter Midnight Bash at Bryan Prince Booksellers in Hamilton, Ontario benefited The Hamilton Literary Council. The fun family event included a scavenger hunt, costume contest, a Hogwarts sorting hat and free pizza.
Approximately 200 – 300 adults and children attended the bookstore event. The Hamilton Literacy Council from the last Harry Potter bash raised $1,000 and they are awaiting the final fund-raising results for this event.
The Hamilton Literacy Council is very grateful to Bryan Prince Booksellers, which completely organizes the event. The charity is then given $2 for every Harry Potter book sold, which is a donation straight from Bryan Prince Booksellers. They have done the event twice to benefit the charity, and Bryan Prince Booksellers has hosted Harry Potter bashes for at least four of the books.
Valerie Sadler, Executive Director looks forward to the Harry Potter events tremendously. “The excitement in the air, people waiting for the Harry Potter book to come out. When I was on my way home I could see people sitting on the sidewalk, reading the book. Once they got it, people immediately started reading it. It was a sight to see,” said Sadler. “The books have brought so many young people into reading, especially boys.” Sadler believes the event has a wonderful connection to literacy.
The Hamilton Literacy Council is an adult literacy program and they provide one-to-one tutoring with trained volunteer tutors and also offer small group instruction with paid instructors. They serve people with low-literacy levels. “Next year we celebrate our 35th anniversary of serving adults in the Hamilton community,” said Sadler.
The Hamilton Literacy Council serves 180 people a year and has served thousands over the years.
While this was the last of the Harry Potter books, there will be two more film adaptations. There is still the potential for Harry Potter movie fundraisers to be held. Non Profit organizations can benefit from latching on to this and other popular films and entertainment events when planning fundraising events.
