Two years after the release of the first book in the series, Salem native and NFL agent Sean Stellato and his 14-year-old daughter, Gianna, are back with the release of their new story entitled, “Football Magic: A Pirate’s Tale.”
This is the second book that the father-daughter duo has combined to write, a follow-up to “Football Magic: Buddy’s New Beginning.”
“To be able to write and do a project like this with my daughter has been incredibly special,” said Stellato, who famously helped lead the 1994 Salem High football team to a Super Bowl title. “When Gianna was struck with this battle with juvenile arthritis and lupus, we went right into our toolbox and said, ‘What can we do to start a movement? What can we do to educate?’ It’s all about creating awareness while also giving kids a fun book to read.”
The new story picks up where the last one left off, with main characters Buddy and Gianna riding high after winning the league championship at school. Even better, Buddy’s dad decided to keep the family in Salem, so that Buddy and his sister can stay with their new friends after adjusting to life in a new town in Massachusetts.
When Buddy and Gianna discover something magical, it leads them on a mysterious adventure through historic Salem and Marblehead. Things seem to be going great — until the wicked Kurtin Drapes and his raven reveal some dreadful plans. With the clock ticking and time running out, will they be able to outwit Drapes? Can Buddy and Gianna do the impossible, or will the magical ball lose its luster forever?
To celebrate the release of the new book, Stellato has put together the Football Magic Book Release Gala, which is set for Saturday, July 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. at House of the Seven Gables in Salem. The event will feature a book signing, a meet and greet, a live DJ and even a treasure hunt for the kids. There will also be a VIP reception beforehand at The Hawthorne Hotel from 5 to 6 p.m.
“Ever since I went there on a field trip in 1990, I’ve always been fascinated by the House of the Seven Gables and I’ve always dreamed of holding an event there,” said Stellato.
A number of local businesses are sponsoring the event, including Kowloon, Kame Restaurant, The Cookie Monstah, The Cheese Shop of Salem and Tuscan Brands.
A host of current and former NFL players — including current and former members of the New England Patriots like Rob Ninkovich, Brandon King, Nick Thurman and Jonas Gray — will also be in attendance to support the event.
“It’s very special to me to have these guys come out and support what we’re doing,” said Stellato. “You have the business side of things with these guys, but I can really appreciate the fact that they come out in their free time and help out like this. We all share a vision of helping others in the community.”
At the end of the day, Stellato is looking forward to an exciting night where both children and adults can have a great time.
General admission tickets to the event are $35 and will include entry, a copy of the book, food, desserts and more. A family four-pack can also be purchased for $60 (one adult, three children) or $80 (two adults, two children), and there will also be VIP tickets available for $100 that will include access to the VIP reception and an autographed copy of the book. A donation to The Arthritis Foundation will be made from the proceeds of ticket sales.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.seanstellato.com/upcoming-events.
