Sending EC to DC!

If you’re reading this, you may already know that Linda’s daughter, Carissa, provided the inspiration for The Everybody Club. The inclusive spirit of the club she started in her family’s basement years ago shines through in this picture book written in her memory.
 
What you may not know is that shortly before Carissa died in a car accident at sixteen, she had gone on a school trip to Washington, D.C., and came home determined to become a government leader herself. She wanted to help build a better world.
 
In early 2025, Linda and I decided to send a copy of The Everybody Club to all 535 members of Congress. It was our way of sending Carissa to Washington.
 
This was a HUGE undertaking—and with the help and generosity of our friends, family, and even some strangers, we did it!
 
We organized a GoFundMe project to raise the thousands of dollars needed to buy and ship all those books.

Eden Prairie Local News published an article about the project.

By mid-March, the books were on their way to our nation's capital. Here are some photos documenting our efforts.

We received a number of thank you notes, some handwritten and others emailed. ​

Here we are with one of our biggest supporters, Nancy's mom!  :)

One of the most gracious notes came from California Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Carissa’s dream of becoming a public servant and working to help others is both inspiring and moving. Her story, and the love and commitment that shine through your book, are a touching reminder of why we serve.

We also want to extend our gratitude to each of you who contributed to the effort to “send Carissa to Washington.” Your generosity, spirit, and dedication to uplifting young voices are both admirable and appreciated.
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Please know that The Everybody Club will be shared and cherished here in our office. We thank you again for including Congresswoman Waters in this beautiful tribute.

​We will never know where those 535 books end up. But in these tumultuous times, we like to imagine that somewhere out there, a child is reading The Everybody Club and is excited about creating a world in which all are welcome.