“Arrested Development” fans can make plans for Valentine’s Day by attending Story Time with Tony, a book signing and question and answer session, from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Blasco Library.
Tony Hale, an actor who played Buster Bluth in “Arrested Development,” is a special guest as part of Emma’s Footprints Valentine’s Day festivities. Emma’s Footprints is a nonprofit organization based in Edinboro, Pa. The organization supports families grieving the loss of a child by offering support in the form of emotional and financial aid.
Tracey Bailey, the founder of Emma’s Footprints, said the organization sprouted from community support after she started a March of Dimes team. Bailey’s personal experience pushed her to start Emma’s Footprints, which is holding its first Valentine’s Day events this year. The organization will be 2 years old in May.
“It’s a sensitive subject and the families need support,” Bailey said. “I lost Emma when I was eight months pregnant. Everything was fine and [then that happened.] You don’t know what’s going to happen.”
She said that the organization was able to contact Hale through ties with mutual friends and he agreed to participate in September.
“It’s funny how you plan these things and then it becomes ‘OK, let’s do this,”’ Bailey said. “I almost have to pinch myself. It’s really exciting.”
Hale will be appearing to sign his children’s book, “Archibald’s Next Big Thing” and answer questions from those attending.
Bailey said Hale will be receptive to questions about his career as well.
“Whether you’re a fan, love children’s books or are involved in this line of work, there’s something for everybody here,” she said. Bailey added she hopes the message of Hale’s book will be applied.
“It’s about appreciating every day, and appreciating today,” Bailey said. “We love that message. [You] should take advantage of each day and be thankful for every day.”
Hale is also going to be a special guest as part of Emma’s Footprints plans for a Valentine’s Day masquerade following the book signing from 6-11 p.m. at the Ambassador Center.
Tickets can be purchased at EmmasFootprints.com for both events. Storytime with Tony is $10 or $5 with the purchase of an Emma’s Next Big Thing: A Valentine Masquerade ticket.
The masquerade is a fundraising gala spotlighting local food, desserts and entertainment as well as a live auction. Tickets start at $50. All proceeds benefit Emma’s Footprints.
Aaron Mook, a sophomore journalism major, was excited to hear about the event.
“Oh my god, Tony Hale is coming to Blasco?” he asked near disbelief. Mook plans on attending as part of Valentine’s Day.
KELSEY GHERING
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