Sioux Falls author/storyteller Tom Roberts will usher in the holiday season at special events in Pierre on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
Roberts is the author of Christmas books for all ages. He will have five different titles available for purchase while in Pierre. A book signing will take place from 3-4 p.m. CST at the Heritage Store at the Capitol. A book signing and a talk by Roberts will begin at 7 p.m. CST at the Cultural Heritage Center.
“Tom’s books are heartwarming stories that leave readers with the Christmas spirit,” said Catherine Forsch, president of the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation. “The day that Tom and his wife, Tammy, will be in Pierre is Giving Tuesday, a day that encourages giving to nonprofit organizations. The Roberts and people purchasing their books benefit a nonprofit, as 100 percent of every sale of Tom’s books benefits the Children’s Home Society.” The foundation is the nonprofit fundraising partner of the South Dakota State Historical Society and hosts Roberts’ appearances in Pierre.
The Children’s Home Society of South Dakota provides emergency shelter, residential treatment and special education, forensic interviews, foster care and adoption services, and prevention programs. In addition to serving victims of child abuse and domestic violence, the society also partners with parents to help children with emotional or behavioral needs. The organization’s mission is to empower children, women, families and communities to be resilient, safe, healthy and strong.
Roberts and his wife, Tammy, began their connection to the Children’s Home Society as volunteers at a Christmas party for the children. In 2002, the Roberts produced one of Tom’s stories, “’Twas the Night Before Christ,” into a book as a fundraiser for the Children’s Home Society. The project was a success. Tom has since written more books for the benefit of the society, raising more than $1.2 million. The newest book, “On That One Christmas Eve,” was published in fall 2018.
Their work for the Children’s Home Society resulted in both Tom and Tammy being hired by the Children’s Home Foundation. Tom is the foundation’s event coordinator.
The five books that will be available for purchase at the Pierre events are “’Twas the Night Before Christ,” “The Little Lost Sock,” “Return to the Farm,” “The Greatest Gift” and “On That One Christmas Eve.” The books sell for $20 each, which includes tax.
During the evening program at the Cultural Heritage Center, Roberts will talk about his background, how he and his wife became involved with the Children’s Home Society, the books he has written and how his work has benefitted the society. Please call 605-773-6006 for more information about the events.
About the South Dakota State Historical Society
The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education. The State Historical Society, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is headquartered at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call 605-773-3458 or visit www.history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call 605-394-1936 for more information.
About the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation
The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation is a private charitable nonprofit that seeks funding to assist the South Dakota State Historical Society in programming and projects to preserve South Dakota’s history and heritage for future generations.
