Author Laura Schroff to Discuss Best-Selling Book "An Invisible Thread" at Manhattan College
Schroff’s personal story about a chance encounter with a panhandler is uniquely inspiring
Laura Schroff, author of the New York Times bestseller An Invisible Thread, will travel this month to Manhattan College to discuss her book, which chronicles her remarkable 25-year friendship with a former New York City panhandler. The event is sponsored by the Diversity Committee.
The lecture will be held on March 28 in Smith Auditorium at noon. It is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at a 10 percent discount.
An Invisible Thread chronicles a story that began in in 1986, when Schroff, then a successful advertising executive, had a chance encounter in midtown Manhattan with 11-year-old Maurice Mazyck, a homeless panhandler. After initially ignoring the boy’s entreaties, she was inspired to turn around and offer him lunch at McDonald’s. For the next four years the pair met for lunch each week, embarking on a friendship that endures to this day. An Invisible Thread reveals how Schroff and Mazyck have transformed each other’s lives.
"The spirit of An Invisible Thread encompasses what it means to be Lasallian, which calls for a respect for all people and compassion for those less privileged,” said Emmanuel Ago, Ed.D., assistant vice president for student life and chair of the Diversity Committee.
“There are no words to describe how humbling it feels to know my simple act of kindness has profoundly changed not only my life and Maurice’s life, but is now impacting the lives of our readers,” said Schroff. “The invisible threads continue to spread with one act of kindness at a time.”
Schroff has made guest appearances on several news outlets to discuss her book, including the Today show, The Mike Huckabee Show, Dr. Phil, Extra and Rachel Ray. She spent the bulk of her career as a high-level media executive and was part of the advertising team that elevated USA Today to national prominence. She also helped launch InStyle, Teen People and People StyleWatch.
Alex Tresniowski coauthored An Invisible Thread with Schroff. The authors donate a portion of the proceeds for each paperback sale to the No Kid Hungry campaign, which connects at-risk children to various nutrition programs and teaches them to cook healthy, affordable meals. A table at the March 28 book talk will be set up for anyone interested in donating to No Kid Hungry. Light refreshments will also be served.
To learn more about the book, visit www.AnInvisibleThread.com.
Media interested in attending should contact John Tucker at (718) 862-7232 or john.tucker@manhattan.edu.
Photo courtesy of www.AnInvisibleThread.com.