Storytelling for a cause: Cassopolis book signing to support local food shelf

Best-selling author and former South Bend Tribune reporter Gene Walden is returning to southwest Michigan to launch his new children’s golf adventure book, Matchup at Adventure Land Golf, with a book signing and dedication in Cassopolis on Saturday, October 25, at 3 p.m.

The event will take place at the Church of Cassopolis, 520 Pearl St. Walden will read a short passage from the book and sign copies for attendees.

All proceeds from the event, including 100% of the author’s royalties, will be donated to the Cassopolis food shelf to help feed local families in need. The event is sponsored by Always Best Care–Michiana of South Bend and owner Danielle Loupee, who will cover printing costs so that all donations go directly to the food shelf. Suggested donations are $30 for softcover and $40 for hardcover editions.

“In writing the book, I’ve tried to promote positive themes like diversity, cooperation, goodwill, and courage,” Walden said. “So, I think it’s in line with the book’s theme to use it to do positive things for society. My goal is to use the book to raise money and support for causes like food shelves, school supplies, diversity initiatives, and children’s healthcare.”

Walden, a graduate of Indiana University, is the author of more than 30 books, including the seven-time bestseller The 100 Best Stocks to Own in America. A former magazine editor and contributor to The Wall Street Journal and Investor’s Business Daily, Walden has appeared on more than 1,000 TV and radio shows and has lectured throughout the U.S., including at Harvard and MIT, according to his website.

He said the inspiration for Matchup at Adventure Land Golf came from a round of golf in Estes Park, Colorado.

“A few years ago I was playing golf in Estes Park, and the course was filled with a large herd of elk,” he said. “Playing through the elk was a fun experience, and that’s when it dawned on me that it could be a great theme for a children’s book — to have kids playing golf through wild animals and treacherous terrains.”

The book follows two boys as they face challenges on each hole of an 18-hole course, learning about the world, teamwork, and friendship along the way.

“Initially, my concept was to create a new adventure on each of the 18 holes,” Walden explained. “The two boys didn’t like each other at first, but as they worked together to help one another through their adventures, they slowly became friends. It became a story of courage, friendship, and overcoming challenges.”

The two boys who inspired the book’s characters will meet for the first time in-person during Saturday’s event. They live more than 600 miles apart.

In addition to Matchup at Adventure Land Golf, Walden’s next illustrated book, When Teacher Sysinki Says Nenky, features a cartoon version of downtown Three Rivers.

Saturday’s event begins at 3 p.m. at the Church of Cassopolis, 520 Pearl St. For questions or accessibility details, contact event coordinator Shirley Lee at shirleannlee04@gmail.com or 269-259-1137.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.