Our Gratitude Wall
It takes a village to raise a family, and a community to publish a book. Together, we made it happen!
We launched our Kickstarter crowdfunding at McCarthy’s Orchard in Mclaren Vale on 25th August 2024
Thank you for your incredible generosity with my crowdfunding campaign! I feel so fortunate to have been so supported in realising my dream to publish Gilbert's Cake. The lion's share of the work on this heartfelt project is now being done by the talented Helen Nieuwendijk (artist, illustrator, writer, baker and picture book maker) who is working day and night on the illustrations for our picture book! Our publisher, Margrete Lamond, and book designer, Danielle Bluff, will work on the final look and feel of the book, and then we will go to print. Creating an original picture book is a slow process and I appreciate that it's been a long wait for your rewards to arrive. Early August 2025 holds the promise of beautiful hardcover copies of the book. So whether you pledged a little, or a lot, I am so grateful! Every single pledge was a demonstration of support, and together we have (almost) made a book! x Emily
Gilbert’s Cake Book Launch at Fleurieu Arthouse in Mclaren Vale on 10th August 2025
Sunday 10th August 2025 was a special day in the life of Gilbert’s Cake! 160 people filled the Fleurieu Arthouse at Hardy’s Tintara in Mclaren Vale for the official launch event. Our MC was Meaghan Thomas, a fellow bereaved mum and dear friend. Margarete Lamond, my co publisher from Gilded Snail, was unable to travel from New South Wales for the event but she shared some beautiful words and well wishes. Helen Nieuwendijk, illustrator and creative genius spoke about her process and the making of the incredible art installations. I said a few words of thanks, and then Kelly Robinson (midwife and PhD researcher in bereavement care) officially launched the book. The final proceedings to the day was a book reading by local actor, Elizabeth Hay. Drinks and cakes were lovingly served by cousins and extended family. Many books were bought and signed and we left with full hearts.
Messages of Thanks…
Thank you Pete, Harriet and Flynn for putting up with all my late night writing and planning. I know Gilbert would be proud of us for sharing our story.
I am very grateful to have generous family who helped me put this campaign together, Sonia, Cameron and especially Kate.
Thank you Margrete Lamond and Helen Nieuwendijk for believing in Gilbert's Cake. I admire both of you and can't thank you enough.
Thank you Ann-Maree Imrie, Sara Grant and Amanda Mitsiois, fellow bereaved mums and incredible women, for reading Gilbert's Cake and providing heartfelt testimonials.
I have been privileged to find such generous and warm support in the community of bereaved mothers and fathers! Thank you, each of you.
And of course the biggest "thank you" must go out to my Kickstarter backers! Without you, this book would have remained a hoped-for dream. x Emily