Calling all Harry Potter fans!!

Calling all Harry Potter fans!

In 1990, British author J.K. Rowling was on a crowded train from Manchester to London when the idea for Harry suddenly "fell into her head". "I had been writing almost continuously since the age of six but I had never been so excited about an idea before. I simply sat and thought, for four (delayed train) hours, and all the details bubbled up in my brain, and this scrawny, black-haired, bespectacled boy who did not know he was a wizard became more and more real to me," says Rowling.

Who knew that a series of seven fantasy novels would be written chronicling the adventures of this young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the last four books would consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history!??  Since 1997, even with its (and because of its) dark tone, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide! As of 2013, the books had sold between 400-450 million copies making them one of the best selling book series in history! The final installment sold roughly 11 million copies in the U.S. within the first 24 hours of release!

In addition to the novels, Rowling sold the rights to the first four books to Warner Brothers. The first film was released in 2001 and the final installment in 2008. Harry Potter gained many beloved fans, both through the books and the movies, with his quest to overcome the Dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, who aims to become immortal, conquer the wizardry world, subjugate non-magical people, and destroy all those who stand in his way, especially Harry.

Thanks to my good (and very creative) friend, Sunday, there will be a fun and unique raffle item at the fundraiser! The contents of the Harry Potter gift box that she made include the following:

One Oak and Phoenix feather wand, with magical properties certificate
One (plastic) 'iron' cauldron (food safe)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (book)
One Hogwartz abbreviated text book with potions
Potion ingredients (vinegar and baking soda), pumpkin pop rocks
One gold vial: Felix felices (glitter, do not eat)
One feather quill, ink, and parchment, small parchment book
One miniature dragon
One snitch locket
One Slithering locket
One snowy owl in a cage
One chocolate Nimbus 2000 broomstick
Two milk chocolate Frogs
"Bertie Botts" (Jelly Belly) beans

So if you are a Harry Potter fan, you'll definitely want to check this item out. Perhaps you have a friend, child or grandchild that is also a huge fan. This would make a one-of-a-kind gift!

 

Thanks again, Sunday, for being such an incredible friend and for all of the many items that you have so kindly donated to raise money in honor of my dad!

 

 "Nothing like a nighttime stroll to give you ideas." 

 ~J.K. Rowling, "The Egg and The Eye," Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire