New York Times bestselling author Wade Rouse will appear at a private cocktail fundraiser hosted by the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver, Thursday, Sept. 8 from 6-8 pm.

Limited tickets, which are $100 per person, are available for the event; to reserve call 269.857.2399 or go to www.sc4a.org.

Guests will enjoy heavy appetizers, drinks, and conversation with Rouse. The author will also read from his newest bestselling novel, The Charm Bracelet, and guests will receive a signed copy to take home.

The Charm Bracelet has been chosen three times by the nation’s independent booksellers as an Indie Next Pick and has been called a “Must-Read” by NBC’s Today Show. The novel was inspired by Rouse’s grandmother and he chose his grandmother’s name — Viola Shipman — as a pen name to honor her.

The Charm Bracelet touches on the importance of family as an elderly lady, Lolly, shares stories about her life with her daughter and granddaughter. She tells tales commemorated through a charm bracelet she received from her mother at a young age.

“We’re just delighted to work with Wade for this special event,” said Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “This is a wonderful opportunity for conversation with him in an intimate setting. Wade is so supportive of the educational work the SCA does with children in our West Michigan communities – we’re honored to host him for the evening.”

Proceeds from this event help fund free educational programs for Pre-K through 12th graders at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.