Whole Foods Market is hoping to add a sweet page to Dylan Siegel’s story. Through his book, “Chocolate Bar,” the six-year-old is working to raise money for research to find a cure for his best friend, Jonah Pournazarian’s rare liver disease. To help further that cause on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, Whole Foods Market’s Sherman Oaks West and Tarzana stores will be hosting a Community Support Day where five percent of all net sales will benefit the “Chocolate Bar” book nonprofit organization.
Throughout the day, shoppers can stop in at Whole Foods Market’s Sherman Oaks West and Tarzana stores for special events, giveaways, a raffle, as well as attend book readings and signings by Siegel and Pournazarian. The boys will be at Whole Foods Market’s Tarzana store (18700 Ventura Blvd. Suite 190, Tarzana, CA 91356) from 9 – 11 a.m. and at the Sherman Oaks store (4520 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403) from 12 – 2 p.m. Shoppers will also be able to purchase copies of “Chocolate Bar,” and learn more about how to get involved.
“The story of these two boys, their friendship, bravery, and work towards finding a cure for this disease is just so chocolate bar,” said Wendy Camacho, Whole Foods Market Sherman Oaks West marketing manager and community relations specialist. “Four months ago our Sherman Oaks West store made the first donation of 100 chocolate bars to Dylan and his book, and it has been inspiring to see that today, more than $275,000 has been raised to fund research and help find a cure for Jonah.”
Written and published in late 2012, “Chocolate Bar” was first sold to family and friends, and is now available at local events throughout Los Angeles and online at www.chocolatebarbook.com. To date, more than 10,000 copies have been sold with 100 percent of all proceeds being donated to the University of Florida, where research is underway to help find a cure for Pournazarian’s rare liver condition, glycogen storage disease 1b.
“Helping my friend is the biggest chocolate bar,” said Dylan Siegel, author of “Chocolate Bar.” “Jonah and I are excited to meet all of the Whole Foods Market shoppers and others who have supported us so far!"