Worldbuilders is a charity founded by author Pat Rothfuss in order to use the collective power of readers, fellow authors and book lovers to make the world a better place.
Pat Rothfuss is The New York Times #1 bestselling author of a projected three-volume fantasy series entitled The Kingkiller Chronicle which includes The Name of the Wind, The Wise Man's Fear and an as of yet unreleased third book, The Doors of Stone. Pat is also a really cool guy.
During the Worldbuilders fundraiser, Pat blogs about the cool book donations they receive from authors and publishers (and all the other cool swag from artists, webcomics, etc.) And everyone who donates to Heifer International through Pat’s Heifer team page is eligible to receive one or more of those cool books and swag at the end of the fundraiser. Worldbuilders also matches donations made to Heifer during the period of the fundraiser.
All year round, they also run The Tinker’s Packs where you can find cool merchandise inspired by Pat’s books and rare and foreign editions from various fantasy and sci-fi authors. There are also other cool projects like Lee Moyer’s Literary Pin-up Calendar! Profits made by the store go to Worldbuilders. They offer some really awesome stuff, including cool 'in universe' jewelry.
For their 2013 calendar, Worldbuilders has teamed up with some of the best authors in the fantasy genre: Peter S. Beagle, Ray Bradbury, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Jacqueline Carey, Neil Gaiman, Charlaine Harris, Robin Hobb, N.K. Jemisin, George R. R. Martin, Terry Pratchett, and Patrick Rothfuss. And For a limited time, they are offering the 2013 Fantasy Pin-up Calendar 50% off! Hurry though, like last year they will sell out soon!
I am very impressed with Pat’s work, both as an author and as a philanthropist. Make sure you check out his blog so you are kept up to date on their awesome offerings. Some of last year’s items included having your own manuscript reviewed by Pat (and several other very notable authors) and even being able to name a character in Pat’s unreleased third book The Doors of Stone. Pretty cool!
For more information about Worldbuilders and Pat Rothfuss himself, check out this awesome interview from Sword and Laser.