This year while attending the ultimate “party with a purpose” the Essence Music Festival, local teen author Tori Turner decided to create a the “philan-thro party” opportunity, and give children and teens an option to get involved outside of the concerts and vendor exhibits they attend with their parents. Turner partnered with teen sci-fi author Stone Erickson and BlackCelebrityGiving.com’s campaign “The Giving Boutique”, to raise money for newly signed Sony Red recording artist Sharve’. Both Tori and Stone Erickson are signed to Delphine Publishing. Tuner convinced their publisher to sponsor the event.
Skate 4 a Cause was held at Skate Country just outside of New Orleans and was attended by more than 100 children. Sharve performed her debut single and encouraged the children in attendance to follow their dreams as well. A teen beauty queen, Tori’s book, When I Decided to D.R.E.A.M. BIG along with Stone Erickson’s sci-fi thriller Black Angel were on sale at the event. Tori was able to give Sharve’ a scholarship from her non-profit foundation. “We hope that this will help you as you continue on your journey and do what God has called you to do,” Turner said while presenting Sharve’ with a check. Stone Erickson enjoyed talking with attendees about the importance of reading. “I enjoy giving back and showing kids that reading can be fun. Some kids may not like reading at first, but if they find a book they are excited about, that can be a start to them becoming good readers. Hopefully my book can do that for some of them,” Stone Erickson explains. Turner and Erickson are two of the youngest published authors in the country. Their books were also featured at the Essence Festival Bookstore during the festival.
