Greetings from Beamont, TX!
Greetings everyone!
Mary and I are now in Beaumont, Texas….city # 15 on the 56 city book tour. We have several wonderful events in Beaumont including a fundraiser for the local Betty Greenberg Theatre, and an event with the Beaumont Rotary Club….one of the largest group of Rotarians in Texas. We have had the # 1 Best seller for the week following my appearances in each city we’ve visited so far….Spartanburg, SC, Atlanta, GA, Greenville, MS, Greenwood, MS, Washington, DC, Oxford, MS, Amory, MS, Jackson, MS, Biloxi, MS, Virginia Beach, VA, Fairhope, AL, Monroe, LA, and Los Angeles, CA. Tyson Cornel at Book Soup, the largest independent Book Store in Los Angeles, was quoted as saying, “We haven’t moved this many books (Promises I Made My Mother) since the release of the book honoring the 40th Anniversary of The Doors!”. I have also spoken at Rotary meetings in Atlanta, GA, Hattiesburg, MS, Greenville, MS, Buckhead, GA, Jackson, MS, and Sunset Rotary in Fairhope, AL.
In every city we visit, I meet wonderful people who share stories of their own life journies, stories of their own mothers, and stories of hope, faith and love. We laugh and cry together every single day. I am humbled at the response this book is receiving.
My friends and family were treated to a wonderful celebrity concert honoring the book’s release in my hometown of Amory, MS two weeks ago. Michael Feinstein headlined the event that was hosted by Lucie Arnaz. Sela Ward, Debbie Allen, Miss America Katie Stam, Mary Donnelly Haskell, Blake Ewing, Mary Lane Haskell, and Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski were there to perform as well. We raised $75,000 for the Mary Kirkpatrick Haskell Scholarship Foundation, named for my mother, to help send deserving High School Seniors to college. To date we have raised over Four Million Dollars to help the children of Mississippi get an education.
Also, I’m so proud to let you know that Promises I Made My Mother just debuted on the Los Angeles Times Best Seller List at # 11! In addition to the 12 national shows I’ve already appeared on including The Today Show with Matt Lauer, CBS Early Show, Fox and Friends, Bonnie Hunt Show, 700 Club, Tavis Smiley, Larry King, Greta Van Sustern, and The Mike Huckabee Show, I will also be appearing on Joe Scarborough’s national morning Show, “Morning Joe” on MSNBC on June 9th, Food Network’s Iron Chef on July 14th, The Crystal Cathedral’s Hour Of Power on July 26 with my dear friend Kathy Ireland, and The Sean Hannity Show on Fox News on August 14th.
Mary has been with me for most of the tour, and I honestly could not have done this without her. Mary is the heart and soul of everything I am and everything that I do. Thanks to each of you for your part in this book’s success, and keep checking out my website for more updates as the tour continues.
Love to all,
SAM
Shari Bates wrote:
May 28, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
Sam,
Just finished reading your book cover to cover. My entire Bible Study read it and I was delighted to confirm that you & Mary really are as genuine as the book reads. Thank for sharing your amazing journey thus far. I will be forever grateful for the kindness you showed my mother when she was ill and how you helped get her into a top liver doctor at UCLA. Mary is truly one of my heroes – a radiant example of a Godly woman. I ran into little Sam a few months ago – he is extremly handsome and as loving and kind as his parents. So proud and excited for sweet MaryLane’s bright future on Broadway or wherever God takes her. Your family is a bright light in this world.
Shari Bates
tami otjen wrote:
May 28, 2009 @ 2:52 pm
Sam,
Just finished your book, I LOVED IT ,could not put it down learned alot. My Mom was also very special and has been gone since 1990 but use her advice every day. Your Mom sounds very special and smart and raised a wonderful son!! I also grew up watching the Miss America pageant, so glad you came on board with that. In fact next weekend my daughter and I are attending the Miss Nebraska pageant. Could write more, will later. Thanks again for a must read and uplifting book!!! Tami Otjen a Nebraska fan for sure!!!
Dianne Duperier wrote:
May 29, 2009 @ 11:55 am
Enjoyed seeing you and Mary last night in Beaumont. Had to sneak out after Mary sang as my allergies started acting up. Read the first chapter when I got home and look forward to the rest of the book. Your Mother was truely and inspiration and light for all that met her.
See you’ll again real soon and now I’m sending an email to all my friends to be on the lookout for your book tour.