The inspiration for the entire project, in the beginning, was just to somehow get involved in the rebuilding process along the Gulf Coast.  I was watching coverage on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and was struck by how little had been done - how many had been forgotten. I remember thinking, "What will be the ramifications of an entire generation of Mississippi children being sent the message that they don't count, that their lives don't matter and that they are forgotten?" That day I visited an elementary school in Colorado and had students begin writing letters inside of some of my books. When I saw what the students were writing I knew something special was taking place. That day the project Letters From Katrina was born.

Q: What do you hope readers (both adults and kids) take away from Letters from Katrina? 

I hope adults find inspiration in our youngest generation. Children don't ask about race, gender, religion or economic status. The children want simply to help, to make a contribution and freely share their friendship, hope and inspiration with total strangers.  

I hope that when children read the book it reminds them of the ability they have to change the world simply by sharing with others words of encouragement and friendship.

Reading the book, everyone will be reminded of the five words that will change the world: "Will you be my friend?"

Q: Do you have a favorite letter or photograph in the book?

There are so many great letters and pictures, but there is one letter from a 5^th grader that I think captures the true essence of the project.  He took the book, found a corner in the gym, and two minutes later brought the book back with the following words: 

"Sometimes you have to tear down the walls of convention with a wrecking ball of creativity."

Many times I think we, as a society, are at a place where all of us need to get creative, find our own gifts and talents, and begin sharing them with society to tear down the walls of convention. It is up to each of us to be a part of the change we wish to see in the world. This project demonstrates what our youngest generation wishes to see in their world.

Q: What's the Endowment all about?

The endowment was created for the children and families in Hancock County, Mississippi and all of the profits from the Letters From Katrina book are donated to the endowment. 

Currently only 15 % of the children in Hancock County can afford to go to college. My goal is to change that. The mission of the endowment is to create a scholarship for EVERY child in the county so that all who want to receive a college education can.  

Many of our goals and dreams are tied to education, and I believe that every child should have the opportunity to receive a college education.  Hopefully the endowment will make it a possibility for the incredible children who survived Hurricane Katrina.

Q: What has been most laugh-friendly (inspirational, rewarding, fulfilling) about the project?

The most laugh-friendly part of the project is watching the reaction people have when they read the book. The words are heartfelt, the images are powerful, and the message is life-changing.  To see words from children inspire so many and even move them to tears has been the biggest reward of the project.