Blainsburg author donates book proceeds to help children
In the spring of 2015, when Brianne Mitchell of Blainsburg helped edit an inspirational children’s book conceived by her now 9-year-old daughter, Della, she decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book to the River Fund.
Created by the Mitchell family, the River Fund helps provide educational and enrichment opportunities for children in Southwestern Pennsylvania, something that ties in nicely with Mitchell’s interest in child welfare.
Since its release, “Della and Lila Meet the Monongahela Mermaid,” named for Mitchell’s two daughters, has achieved notable success, receiving several awards from local publications.
The cover of “Della and Lila meet the Monongahela Mermaid”
In October, Mitchell published a second book in the Della and Lila series. Titled “Della and Lila and the Treasure Adventure,” the swashbuckling, adventure tale replete with pirates, mermaids and local legends also is set along the Monongahela River.
Once again, proceeds from the book are going to be donated to charities that help children, including Helping Hands through Washington County Children and Youth Services, the Washington City Mission and III & Long Foundation, which helps children with sickle cell disease.
For her philanthropic interests, Mitchell received an award in December from South Hills-based Inspiring Lives magazine. She and four other winners will now will be part of a campaign to support organizations that help women in domestic violence situations, human trafficking victims and homeless women.
The cover of “Della and Lila and the Treasure Adventure”
For the past 19 months, Mitchell has worked with Darieth Chisolm, a former television reporter and host who is now a business coach, public speaker, author and host of her own online video podcast show.
“Darieth became my business mentor after she took an interest in children’s books,” Mitchell said. “We had a conversation one day, and it just went on from there.”
Currently in the works is a third book in the children’s series.
Brianne Mitchell with her husband, Mitch, and their daughters, Della, 9, and Lila, 6
The work is in the pre-editing stage with the illustration just getting under way. It is scheduled for release in late 2018. According to Mitchell, the story features a monster who isn’t really a monster, just misunderstood.
Like she did for the two books in the series that precede it, Mitchell will donate any proceeds the third book accrues to charities that help children.
“I want to help as many children as possible,” she said.