Don Alhart Released Second Children's Book
The Rochester author published a sequel to support the local Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Author Don Alhart has released a new children's book titled McCurdy's Christmas Surprise. The book serves as a sequel to his 2020 release, Sibley's Christmas Adventure, and features characters named after former Rochester department stores.
Why it matters
The project aims to raise funds for the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp, a facility located in Rush, New York. Alhart penned the story after a child inquired about the fate of the character McCurdy during a 2025 book signing event.
Four book signing events are scheduled to support the project. All proceeds from the book sales benefit the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp.
The players
Don Alhart
He is the author of two children's books inspired by the history of Rochester department stores.
Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp
This facility based in Rush, New York, provides summer camp experiences for children with disabilities and is the beneficiary of the book's proceeds.
The details
The book, which is dedicated to Isla Button, continues the narrative established in the 2020 predecessor. It is currently available for pre-order to help generate funding for the camp.
Timeline
Sibley's Christmas Adventure was released in 2020.
A child asked Alhart about the character McCurdy in 2025.
A book signing is scheduled for the Rochester Rotary Trail Mix 5K on October 16, 2026.
A book signing will occur at the Rochester Rotary pasta dinner on October 26, 2026.
A book signing is planned for the Rochester Rotary Breakfast with Santa on December 12, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the established fundraising pattern used by the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp to support its community programming. It strengthens the ties between local historical nostalgia and regional non-profit support.
Local readers can support the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp by pre-ordering the new book or attending one of the four scheduled signing events. Purchasing the sequel directly contributes to the camp's ongoing operational costs.
The takeaway
The book represents a local effort to maintain the memory of Rochester's commercial history while funding community services. Residents looking to support local youth programs can participate through these upcoming author-led events.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts in the Philanthropy section of our site.
More information
Find complete book pre-order information through our regional news portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHAM.
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