Peacock Keller to Support Regional Libraries with “Off The Shelf” Charity Event on Sept. 18

PITTSBURGH - July 31, 2013 - PRLog -- Peacock Keller, a full-service law firm in Washington, Pa., will sponsor its 6th Annual “Off The Shelf…A Celebration of Books” charity event on Sept. 18, 2013, to support libraries in Pennsylvania’s Washington, Greene and Fayette counties. The fundraiser will feature a presentation by Keith Bellows, the Editor and Chief of National Geographic Traveler magazine, and will take place from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe in Canonsburg, Pa.

This year’s “Off The Shelf” theme is travel, which with the written word, fills the shelves of public libraries and resonates throughout history, defining people and cultures. Each table at the fundraiser will choose a book about travel and decorate their table accordingly – as part of a larger contest. Table decorating will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the event, with an impartial panel of judges evaluating each table thereafter. Cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m., providing attendees an opportunity to inspect Chinese auction items. Participants will also be able to support their favorite tables by donating to the “People’s Choice Award.” In addition to the Chinese auction, a live auction will be held during the event. Dinner will follow at 7 p.m., with Bellows taking the podium at 8 p.m.

“Each year the attorneys and staff of Peacock Keller look forward to supporting our local libraries through our Off The Shelf celebration,” said Doug Nolin, Peacock Keller Managing Partner and Master of Ceremonies. “We are proud of the success this event has brought for the libraries over the years. We know the benefits the libraries have on our communities and believe it is important to give them our support.”

Since the event’s inception, Peacock Keller has raised more than $130,000 for the Washington, Greene and Fayette County libraries through Off The Shelf with all proceeds going towards the creation and maintenance of a Regional “One-Card” Network. The “One-Card” Network ensures that every resident may go to any library in the three-county region while only using one library card, increasing convenience and accessibility for library customers while facilitating cost savings and efficiencies for the library system.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and live and Chinese auction items are being collected. Individual tickets can be purchased for $75 or tables of eight can be purchased for $600. Corporate tables can also be purchased for $1,000. To support literacy in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties or to learn more about the Off the Shelf event, contact a local library, call 724-222-4520 or visit www.peacockkeller.com/offtheshelf.

About Peacock Keller – Peacock Keller, located in Washington County, is among the largest and longest established full-service law firms in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The firm provides corporate and individual clients with experienced and knowledgeable legal services at affordable rates, helping to solve legal problems while avoiding future legal issues. Peacock Keller attorneys provide mediation services and sound legal counsel in the areas of business, corporate and nonprofit law; civil, insurance and medical malpractice litigation; coal, oil, gas, shale gas, mineral and energy law; construction law; elder law; employment law; estate administration and planning; guardianship; hospital law; personal injury; real estate law; and school law. To learn about the firm, visit www.peacockkeller.com.

FOR BACKGROUND: KEITH BELLOWS BIOGRAPHY

Keith Bellows is the senior vice president and editor-in-chief of National Geographic Travel Media and the editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler. Traveler is the world’s most widely read travel magazine and the category’s No. 1 performer on U.S. newsstands.

Under Bellow’s stewardship, the magazine has been nominated for two National Magazine Awards, won more than 60 Lowell Thomas Awards for best travel writing (it has been named best magazine eight of his 15 years as the editor), and 10 Folio Awards for Best Travel Magazine. In 2011 he was named as the winner of NATJA’s inaugural “Spirit of Kalliope Award” for overall achievement in travel journalism.  

Prior to joining National Geographic, Bellows launched BabyCenter.com as its creative director; was the executive producer of Excite.com; and was founding partner of WestWorld Media. He created and edited more than 30 magazines for Whittle Communications; and has written for Esquire, Sports Illustrated, Parenting, AARP, and many other magazines. He also wrote The Canuck Book and the 1998 Winter Olympics ACCESS Guide for ABC-TV. His book, 100 Places That Can Change Your Child’s Life, wa s published in February 2013.

Bellows is a graduate of Gordonstoun School (Scotland) and Dartmouth College. He lectures extensively around the world and his more than 200 television appearances include the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, and a regular segment on National Geographic Today.