Sports bar to underwrite book donations to local schools across Louisiana; social media voting to determine book’s cover design
Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar is teaming up with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jeffrey Marx to share his inspiring new collection of LSU sports stories with the people of Louisiana – in particular, school kids.
Walking with Tigers includes 22 feature stories exploring the lives of athletes, coaches and others behind the university’s storied sports history. Covering a wide cross-section of sports – including football, basketball, baseball, softball and track and field – Marx takes his readers on a fascinating journey with numerous LSU sports figures. Among them are: Alex Bregman, Dale Brown, Kimberlyn Duncan, Leonard Fournette, Bert Jones, Brittany Mack, Mikie Mahtook, Jack Marucci, Raph Rhymes, Stanley Roberts and Jimmy Taylor.
“When I first heard about Walking with Tigers, I couldn’t wait to read it,” said Brandon Landry, co-founder and owner of Walk-On’s Enterprises. “Then, when I met Jeffrey and we talked about reaching out to Louisiana schools and youth groups through his book tour, I really got excited. Not only does the book stir up my passion for LSU sports, but Jeffrey’s willingness to donate books to schools across the state fits perfectly with Walk-On’s focus on community support.”
Marx, who at the age of 23 became the youngest-ever winner of the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting, is a native New Yorker who now lives in Baton Rouge. For the past 20 years, he has conducted a books-to-schools program that he first developed with Olympic champion Carl Lewis (with whom he wrote two books). For Walking with Tigers, Marx and Walk-On’s will donate thousands of books to schools and other youth groups across the state.
“I couldn’t ask for a better sponsor, or better people, to partner with for this book tour than Walk-On’s and Brandon and his team,” said Marx. “Thanks to their support, we’ll be able to reach thousands of young people with stories that are both entertaining and filled with some really important life messages.”
Walking with Tigers will be published this September. Beginning April 10, Marx will conduct a public vote (via social media and voting cards at Walk-On’s) to select the cover design for his book. Follow @LSUTigersBook on Twitter for more information and to vote on your favorite cover design.
Voting will end on April 18. The winning cover will be announced via Twitter (both @LSUTigersBook and @Walk_Ons).
Walk-On’s Enterprises is arguably the most distinctive restaurant company in America. Its concepts are fresh, fun and original, from Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar — voted ESPN’s “Best Sports Bar in North America” — to Happy’s Irish Pub and Walk-On’s Catering. Additional growth lies ahead, as the company expands on its winning combination of delicious, affordable food and drinks presented in an uncommonly warm and friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit www.walkonsenterprises.com.
