Steve Gives Back

Here’s the backstory…

We (the author + some moms of little kids) believe that Christmas Steve is more than just a children’s book. He stands for a lot: quality time with family, getting kids off of electronics and into experiences, expressing yourself, making a place for yourself in the world—quirks and all. Basically, he represents what we all hope for our own children, and because of that, we want him to have a big loud voice. And we want him to be in the hands of as many kids as possible. So that’s where the idea started…

Then COVID hit. And quarantine. And kids stayed out of school and got on electronics even more. That just solidified our mission to get these books in the hands of as many children as possible...so we're finding and giving books to the kids that need it most. Our buy one, give one initiative means that every book that is purchased will be matched with a second book that will go straight to a children's program. So far, we've given books to Title 1 schools, children's hospitals, the Boys and Girls Clubs, kids in foster care...and we're just getting started. Proceeds from the sale of the books also go to the #LoveUp Foundation, which benefits children in need, so it’s a twofer (or really a three-fer, because you’re getting the book and that’s cool too).

You can be part of touching thousands upon thousands of children’s lives, and have fun in the process. So go on, get a book and join our team. We can make real, actual Christmas magic happen together—and that’s a big elfing deal.

PRESS

Elvis Duran & The Morning Show Nationally syndicated radio show with @ElvisDuran

Rich Berra, co-host of the nationally syndicated Johnjay and Rich Show on iHeart Radio, has released his second holiday children’s book titled, Christmas Steve Meets Christmas Carol.Berra’s book is the sequel toThe Tale of Christmas Steve, released in 2017. Proceeds from the sale of each book go to the #LoveUp Foundation (loveupfoundation.org) — a nonprofit 501c3 organization co-founded by Berra and his on-air partner, Johnjay Van Es — which helps foster children and families in need. After donating almost $50,000 of book generated profits to #LoveUp, Berra has decided that this year he wants to implement a buy-one, give-one campaign. Every book purchased at christmassteve.org will be matched with a second book donated to a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a Title 1 school or one of #LoveUp’s affiliated programs. “This year, we wanted to go beyond the monetary donation and share what’s at the heart of these books — a love of reading — with kids everywhere,” said Berra. “The story, the proceeds and the gift of the book itself to children in need all combine to make the ultimate impact.”

Inside radio

Morning radio host Rich Berra of the nationally syndicated “Johnjay and Rich Show” is celebrating the release of his second children's book, "Christmas Steve Meets Christmas Carol," by implementing a buy-one, give-one campaign, where every book purchased is matched with a donation to a children's hospital, Title 1 school or foster care program. Further, in the spirit of giving, Berra is also donating all proceeds from the sale of his book to the charity he co-founded, the #LoveUp Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that benefits families in need and children living in foster care. So far this holiday season, Berra's brand "Christmas Steve" has made significant donations to Phoenix Children's Hospital, Banner Children's at Cardon Children's Medical Center, the Arizona Department of Child Safety and Title 1 schools in such states as Arizona, California and Missouri. Berra has also partnered with Cox Communications to donate more than 1,000 of his two books to Capitol School in Phoenix and Helen's Hope Chest, an organization that provides clothing, hygiene items, presents and more to youth in the foster care system. The books are being gifted Dec. 13 at Capitol School, where Berra will be on hand to read his first book, "The Tale of Christmas Steve," to first-, second- and third-grade classes. "Christmas Steve is an epidemic of giving," said Berra. "The money from the sale of the books and the books themselves all go to help kids and families in need, and when a company like Cox gets behind it, that impact is magnified and the community feels the love." Other like-minded Phoenix-area businesses have also teamed up with Berra to help in his mission, including Parker and Sons, Zerorez, Mazaheri Plastic Surgery, Pro Sports Realty, Faith Hospice and Peoria Ford. Thus far, thousands of books have been donated to children in need, along with tens of thousands of dollars to the #LoveUp Foundation.