Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Foery.
Hi Paige, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I became involved with the Amelia Island Book Festival about four years ago and have held various Board Positions, and this is my second year as President of the Board. Because of the literacy mission, I chose to get involved with the Amelia Island Book Festival. Reading changed my life and helped me grow and develop both personally and professionally. Post-Covid, students need to be reading on grade level, and as a local non-profit focused on literacy, we want to raise awareness and make an impact on literacy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The pandemic impacted the Amelia Island Book Festival since we could not hold ticketed events to raise funds. Last year AIBF had the Authors in Schools event and distributed over 10,000 books to students, and the Authors visited the schools. This signature event is scheduled each year in February as a part of the annual Book Festival. For February 2023, we are having a full schedule of events for the first time in two years. The books have been ordered for the Authors in Schools event. The Gala is scheduled at the Ritz for Friday, February 17, 2023, and it promises to be a fun evening with authors David Baldacci, Scott Turow, Kate Quinn, and Jeannette Walls.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am very proud of the mission of the Amelia Island Book Festival: To enhance the overall life skills of Nassau County children and adults by generating a lifelong love of books through an appreciation of reading, writing, and authors. Amelia Island Book Festival engages adults and young people in the joy of reading and writing through public events featuring New York Times best-selling authors, independent publishers, awards programs, and workshops. These events attract thousands of people for learning, entertainment, and the excitement of seeing and meeting some of the most remarkable authors of the times. Each year AIBF hosts the Authors in Schools program, an Expo, and an essay contest, and the winners are published in a book and a scholarship contest. These events provide a 360-degree experience that educators laud. The AIBF Board of Directors is excited to currently be having discussions about expanding the Authors in Schools program to Duval County for the 2023-2024 school year.
Contact Info:
- Website: ameliaislandbookfestival.org
- Facebook: @ameliaislandbookfestival
Image Credits
Picture of the Luncheon with President Paige Foery, Valerie Gsell and author Kristin Harmel. Pictures of the expo, gala and students.
