Claire’s Day
Claire Lynsey Rubini danced in this world
from May 24, 1990 to July 6, 2000.
Claire’s Day was born out of a desire to honor my daughter in a positive way, that was true to her and who she was. How does one capture the essence of a lively, high-spirited, purple-loving little girl who was never far from a book?
How could I ever create something that was worthy of the love that we held for our first child?
What could I ever do that would allow me to grieve in a healthy way, so that my other two children, daughter Kyle, and son, just 8 and 6 at the time, would see a Mom who loved and cherished them as well?
Six months after Claire died, a Time magazine featuring a story about former First Lady Laura Bush and her role as honorary chair of the Texas Book Festival just happened to be tucked in my seat pocket on a flight to my oldest niece’s wedding.
I read the article, and with tears, I turned to my husband and said, “This is what we are going to do to honor Claire.”
Claire’s Day was born. And it saved me.
Claire’s Day, A Celebration of Life, Authors, Illustrators and Reading Excellence has grown from a one day book festival to a week filled with literary events for thousands of family members. www.clairesday.org
Children throughout Northwest Ohio experience the magic of a “real-live” author or illustrator visiting their schools in the days leading up to the book festival. Claire’s Day partners with the host schools by providing a monetary grant to offset the honorarium, or by donating books for the school library.
Claire’s Night is a fun reception for adults at the Main Library in downtown Toledo. Claire’s Night features our guest authors and illustrators, fun food, libations and an opportunity to support our mission through silent and live auctions.
Claire’s Day is traditionally held on the third Saturday in May at the Maumee, Ohio branch library. The same library where little Claire would pick out more books than she could carry.
The grounds of the library are filled with authors reading from their books, illustrators sharing their artistic talents and families reading together.
A highlight of the day is the C.A.R.E. Awards, Claire’s Awards for Reading Excellence, given to children nominated by their school principals as being the most improved readers in their schools. My husband Brad, who is dyslexic, shares his heartfelt story to recipients and their families prior to each award ceremony.
Claire not only loved to read, but shared her passion with others.
Claire’s Day does the same in our mission to honor and remember Claire by inspiring children and families to be lifelong readers through a variety of literary opportunities and experiences.
A portion of the annual proceeds is given to our host partner, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, intended to purchase books and support programming.
Check out my TEDx presentation about our journey here.
