Rowling Thanks School for World Book Day Fundraiser

by · March 21, 2018

J.K. Rowling personally reached out to thank Arnold Hill Academy, a secondary and sixth form school in Nottinghamshire, England, after it raised money for Lumos at its World Book Day event.

Although it was postponed a week due to snow, the school’s book club hosted a Harry Potter-themed event in honor of a slightly belated World Book Day. Invitations were sent out on scrolls, and the library, the location for the event, was filled with themed activities. The entrance was even covered in paper painted to resemble the brick wall leading into Diagon Alley.

During the event, attendees were placed into one of the four Houses by the Sorting Hat and then competed for House points throughout the night. Activities included face painting, origami, a Diagon Alley treasure hunt, reading tea leaves, a “spell-off,” and a Harry Potter quiz. Themed treats were provided, and many of the children dressed up as characters from the books.

 

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The book club managed to raise £80 for Lumos, a non-profit organization founded by Rowling, which raises money to help reunite children in orphanages with their families or place them in loving family homes. J.K. Rowling personally reached out on Twitter to thank Arnold Hill for its contribution to her charity.

 

Nottingham Post spoke to many of the students who helped organize the event about their thoughts on the recognition their fundraising efforts received from Rowling. Jake O’Neill, 12, was one of the students involved in the event.

I am really proud; it took a few months to prepare for this. I am a big Harry Potter fan; I like the adventure and magic.

Harry Partridge, 11, who attended as a Gryffindor, was impressed their school was recognized.

I can’t put the book down when I read it. J.K.Rowling has made so much of a following and so much money; I did not think I would ever be involved with her. It gives us a bit of a name on the map.

Arnold Hill librarian Debs Corton, who helped coordinate the event, was delighted to see the public message acknowledging the school.

I can’t believe it; it’s absolutely brilliant. I am always amazed that Harry Potter continues to be so popular with students, but they just ran with the idea. This was a pretty special event; it took a lot of organising, but the students were amazing. The students were over the moon.

Overall, the event was a huge success for the students and they were thrilled to know that Rowling took notice of their contribution.