BEDFORD – A local author’s new book about family ties and Christmas joy is helping the Lawrence County Community Foundation reach its Lilly Endowment Inc. GIFT VIII challenge. Longtime Lawrence County columnist and sportswriter Bob Bridge wrote his new book, “Stories of Christmas Cheer: Tales and Tails from Hearth and Hound,” to honor his parents, Bill and Ruth Bridge.
Bridge described “Christmas Cheer” as fitting into the Chicken Soup for the Soul genre. “It will warm your heart and lift your spirits,” he said.
He soon realized the book could have a second purpose beyond lifting spirits when he learned of the Endowment’s 2:1 match for contributions to unrestricted funds held by community foundations. Lawrence County Community Foundation was awarded a $750,000 Matching Fund in 2023.
For every dollar donated to an unrestricted fund, the Endowment will donate $2. Realizing the opportunity to do good for the community, Bridge decided to donate all proceeds from the books purchased locally to the LCCF.
Bridge, who previously served on the LCCF board, established an unrestricted fund several years ago. The Bob Bridge Fund for Community Grants has provided funds to local nonprofits ranging from the Friends of Spring Mill State Park to the Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services.
“This book is about family and Christmas. It was a labor of love and devoted to my parents,” he said. “When I realized Lilly was offering a 2/1 match for unrestricted grants, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to funnel the cash into the LCCF’s Bob Bridge Fund.”
The book sells for $20, which will be matched with an additional $40.
“Every book sold is another $60 into the fund,” said Hope Flores, Executive Director of LCCF.
For those looking for last-minute gift ideas, the book is a gift with a big impact.
“Many people will spend $20 for a gift exchange. When you buy a copy of “Christmas Cheer” for a gift exchange, you will also help the community by triple that amount,” Hope added.
Since announcing the GIFT VIII challenge, Hope said the community has embraced the opportunity to have their gifts to the community grants funds at LCCF matched.
“Currently, we’re just over 80% of our goal,” she said.
Bridge said writing the book was a labor of love. He grew up believing Christmas was all about the gifts he would receive. Then one Christmas that changed, and he experienced an epiphany that changed his view of giving and receiving. He wanted to show his parents his appreciation for the many sacrifices they made in raising their family and purchased an expensive entertainment center for their living room.
“Though I was still seeking financial stability, I wanted to show them my sincere appreciation. The expression on their faces upon returning home that evening was priceless. Their joy was immeasurable,” he said. “That’s when I became an adult. I had learned how much better it feels to give than receive. From that point forward, I would take them on vacations with me to Florida. Oh, the fun we had and the memories we made.
Knowing the book he wrote to honor his parents will benefit the community for years to come has been an unexpected gift.
“My parents would be so joyful … and proud,” he said.
Copies of “Stories of Christmas Cheer: Tales and Tails from Hearth and Hound” can be purchased at the LCCF office, 3315 Fifth St., Bedford, and Twelve Months of Christmas, 915 15th St., in downtown Bedford.