Name of the Wind author organizes charity drive

Patrick Rothfuss, author of the fantasy novel The Name of the Wind, is proving that you don’t have to be wealthy to be a philanthropist. Rothfuss has organized a charity drive through his blog to benefit needy families around the world.

Last year, the 36-year-old Wisconsin writer expected to raise a few thousand dollars when he began his first fundraiser aimed at giving farm animals to poor people. He impetuously promised to match all contributions. It cost him $53,000 and nearly wiped out his savings.

This year, Subterranean Press, one of his publishers, has pledged to match the first $10,000; Rothfuss has promised to match half the money raised after that. “I’m still matching 50 percent of all donations,” he tells fans on his blog. “Do your worst.”

The money that Rothfuss collects goes to Heifer International, an Arkansas-based charity that gives cows, goats and other assistance to hungry families in 23 states and 51 countries.

So far, this year’s drive has raised more than $96,000, which means Rothfuss is already on the hook for at least another $43,000. The campaign ends Jan. 15.

Rothfuss offers donors a chance to win prizes, including more than 1,000 fantasy books. Some are first editions, and many are signed by their authors, including Neil Gaiman, Brandon Sanderson and Rothfuss. Other prizes include a piece of a meteorite and a guitar donated by Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti.

Fantasy Book Review would like to wish Rothfuss’s wonderful charity drive all the success in the world.

Patrick Rothfuss had the good fortune to be born in Wisconsin where long winters and lack of cable television brought about a love of reading and writing. His mother read to him as a child, and his father taught him to build things. If you are looking for the roots of his storytelling, look there.

Posted: January 13th, 2010
Author: Lee
Categories: Brandon Sanderson, Latest News, Neil Gaiman

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