COMMON GROUNDS FUNDRAISER WITH GUEST AUTHOR RITA M. REALI

Common Grounds, Crossville’s only 501(c)3 nonprofit coffee shop, is teaming up with award-winning local author Rita M. Reali for a special community fundraiser on Saturday, July 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The free public event will take place at the shop's location at 152 West First Street. Guests are invited to enjoy a beverage while participating in a live book reading, Q&A session, and book signing with Reali.

Event Highlights & Details

• Featured Works: Reali will read selections from her Sheldon Family Saga—six standalone novels that can be read in any order—and may preview excerpts from her upcoming seventh and final book. Her two Purringest Kitty children’s books will also be available.

• Direct Impact: Autographed copies of Reali's novels and children's books will be available for purchase, with 20% of all sales donated directly to Common Grounds.

• Community Cause: Common Grounds provides meaningful employment to more than two dozen physically and intellectually disabled adults across Cumberland County.

"Common Grounds does great work, and I know how important fundraising is," said Reali, noting her personal connection through local service organizations. "I’m proud to back Common Grounds’ efforts."

Coffee shop owner Sara Bakker hopes this event sparks a ongoing trend of supporting local literature and community causes simultaneously.

"This is such a great opportunity—for Rita and for the community, as well as Common Grounds," Bakker said. "I’d love to have other authors come in to do similar events in support of what we do here. It’s a win-win for everyone."