This afternoon's Zombie Apocalypse! at Arbor Brewing Company is much more than just a beer and beverage-tasting and darts tournament. It's a fundraiser for the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, which grew out of the Borders Group Foundation, and it benefits book store employees facing an emergency financial crisis.
"Since the inception of the Foundation in 1996, over 2700 individuals and their families have received emergency assistance, totaling more than $4 million," said Kit Steinaway, office manager for the Book Industry Charitable Foundation. "What makes this event special is that it is a hometown story- a local charity that is assisting people across the country."
AnnArbor.com file photo
Steinaway said after the Borders liquidation, the foundation expanded to assist all people working in bricks-and-mortar bookstores across the country.
"The Zombie Apocalypse event is our first fundraising event as the Book Industry Charitable Foundation that has industry-wide support, including the American Booksellers Association, publishers, distributors, booksellers and local Ann Arbor businesses," said Pamela French, executive director of the Book Industry Charitable Foundation.
More than 100 people, including those representing many aspects of the book industry are expected to attend the event, which will run from 3 to 5 p.m., will feature a flash mob performance with a local dance troupe dressed as Zombies at 4 p.m..
There also will be "Dine & Donate" vouchers available at the beer tasting from four local restaurants including Grizzly Peak, Jolly Pumpkin, Blue Tractor and Lena. Each restaurant will donate 10 percent of the food and beverages, including alcohol, purchased, to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, but the vouchers must be used today.