WDIV-TV 4 news reporter and former weatherman Chuck Gaidica has donated 20,000 copies of his books, Tommy Starts Something Big: Giving Cuddles with Kindness, and Cuddling is Like Chocolate, to help raise funds for Grace Centers of Hope.  One of southeast Michigan’s oldest and largest homeless shelters, Grace Centers of Hope provides homeless and rehabilitation services for nearly 200 men, women and children on any given day.  Luckily, we have been given 10 sets to giveaway to our readers!!! Continue reading to find out how to win YOUR set! 

            “We are so blessed to have an ally like Chuck Gaidica who truly cares about making a difference in his own community,” said Pastor Kent W. Clark, CEO of Grace Centers of Hope.  “Through his generous donation, we will be able to raise funds to help support the life-saving programs and services for the men, women and children who call Grace Centers of Hope home.”

            Tommy Starts Something Big: Giving Cuddles with Kindness is a heartwarming children’s story about a young boy named Tommy who faced his own challenge in life by deciding to inspire others in their times of need.  The book, which features beautiful watercolor illustrations by Mary Gregg Byrne, reminds children and adults about the positive change that can happen when people help people.  Gaidica penned Cuddling is Like Chocolate as a short book for adults to address the many health and wellness benefits of cuddling.  It includes inspiring stories, cuddle facts and humorous illustrations by Jeff Covieo to encourage readers to reach out and cuddle with someone they love. 

            Gaidica is an Emmy Award–winning television and radio personality who created the phrase “Cuddle Alert” as a fun call to action during cold-weather outbreaks.  The alert is a platonic reason to cuddle with somebody for warmth and much more: a healthful connection of two souls.  Gaidica has spent years researching the connection between cuddling and wellness.  As a former weather forecaster, Chuck has issued “Cuddle Alerts” on TV and radio for nearly 30 years.   

            “I am so happy to use my books to help touch and restore the lives of others,” said Gaidica.  “My children’s book encourages kids to think bigger than themselves to help other people.  It’s like I wrote a book about the mission of Grace Centers of Hope.”

            Tommy Starts Something Big: Giving Cuddles with Kindness and Cuddling is Like Chocolate can be purchased throughout the year at all Grace Centers of Hope Thrift Store locations: 23105 Coolidge Hwy., Oak Park; 43584 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights; 26740 Dequindre Rd., Warren; and 5919 Highland Rd., Waterford Township.  The books also can be purchased online by visiting www.gracecentersofhope.org or by calling 1-855-HELP-GCH.   

            Grace Centers of Hope provides a comprehensive range of programs and services to help individuals and families overcome issues of homelessness, addiction, neglect, physical abuse, poverty and spiritual emptiness.  One hundred percent of the nonprofit’s revenues are generated through private support, fundraising initiatives and its four thrift stores.  Last year, Grace Centers of Hope provided more than 45,000 nights of stay for men, women and children who sought help from the nonprofit organization. 

Now, all you have to do to win YOUR OWN SET of these books is comment below the title of YOUR favorite children’s book! The giveaway starts TODAY and ends Sunday, October  26th @ 8pm (EST). Winners will be chosen randomly! GOOD LUCK!!! 

About Grace Centers of Hope

Giving hope to the helpless since 1942, Grace Centers of Hope is considered one of the leading faith-based organizations in Southeastern Michigan, daily confronting issues of homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse and spiritual emptiness. On any given night, Grace Centers of Hope provides transitional and emergency shelter to 150-200 men, women and children, in addition to serving more than 100,000 meals each year. Grace’s $5.7 million yearly budget is maintained solely through corporate and private donors, exclusive of any government assistance.  To learn more about Grace Centers of Hope or to make a donation, please visit www.gracecentersofhope.org