Flora’s Heart to be beneficiary of July 19 Barnes & Noble book event in Warwick

Flora’s Heart, the Cranston-based non-profit established by resident Keri Grabiec to create and distribute superhero capes and tutus to children dealing with illness as a way to help them forget, even for a brief time, that they are sick, has been named the beneficiary of a day-long fundraiser at the Warwick Barnes & Noble, located at 1350 Bald Hill Road, on Saturday, July 19.

Throughout the store’s business hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., 20 percent of all sales will be donated to Flora’s Heart when customers use code 11377157 upon checkout. The funds raised will directly help the organization cover the costs of making the superhero capes and tutus, which are distributed to patients at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. For those unable to shop in Warwick on July 19, the Flora’s Heart code may be entered when making online purchases at www.BN.com/bookfairs through July 23.

“Seeing children’s faces when we hand out capes and tutus feels absolutely amazing; every piece we create is the result of a team of dedicated volunteers who want to help brighten a young person’s day during their difficult times,” said Grabiec. “We are so grateful to Barnes & Noble for giving us this opportunity – it’s going to be a great day, and hopefully, a lot of customers will help support our efforts.”

The average Flora’s Heart distribution at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, which includes upwards of 30 superhero capes and 30 tutus, costs approximately $500 in supplies and more than 40 hours in donated volunteer time.

In addition to serving as an important fundraising opportunity, the day will feature a number of fun activities for children and families of all ages:

9 to 10 a.m.: Warwick Fire Department visit and story reading

10 to 11 a.m.: Local author Mark Binder will read “Cinderella, Spinderella”

1 to 2 p.m.: Make your own superhero finger puppets

5 to 6 p.m.: Make your own superhero masks

6 to 7 p.m.: Superhero photo shoot

8 to 9 p.m.: PJ Movie Time featuring “Rio 2”

Superhero capes and tutus are available for sale by contacting Keri through the website, with 100 percent of the proceeds directly supporting the charity’s work with children battling illness. Donations may also be made online, and volunteers and craft supplies are always needed.

For more information on Flora’s Heart, visit www.FlorasHeart.com or check out their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/FlorasHeart.