A Nov. 15 event will launch a new book about the history of Hormel Foods and raise money for local schools, officials announced at a Monday press conference.

A Hormel committee is looking for businesses and individuals interested in buying 10 copies of former Hormel CEO Richard Knowlton’s new book, “Points of Difference, Transforming Hormel.”

A 10-book, $214 purchase will get someone two tickets to the Nov. 15 event, which will be held at the Hormel Historic Home and will feature keynote speaker Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr., an astronaut and motivational speaker.

All proceeds from the purchases, minus sales tax, will go the Austin Public Education Foundation and will be targeted toward new science labs at Ellis Middle School, a project which should break ground next summer.

Officials are looking to sell 2,000 books before the Nov. 15 event, which would net roughly $40,000 for the APE Foundation.

In addition, when the book is released for national sales in January, Knowlton will donate any of his proceeds to the APE Foundation as well.

Austin educational services director John Alberts said he was excited for the fundraiser.

“It’s a nice partnership between a number of entities in town,” he said. “We’re delighted.”

What: Austin Public Education Foundation fundraiser and book launch gala, featuring light appetizers, wine and soft drinks

When: Nov. 15, 2-4 p.m.

Where: Hormel Historic Home

Who will be there: Former Hormel CEO and author Richard Knowlton; astronaut and motivational speaker Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr.

Tickets: Entrance requires a 10-book, $214 purchase. Guests can also donate $200 directly to Austin Public Schools and receive admission

Alberts said the Ellis project already has some funding from the Hormel Foundation and others, but the new money will be welcome.

The project will add two new classrooms to the school and renovate others as Ellis looks to become more aligned with Austin High School, which recently upgraded some of its science labs with help from the Hormel Foundation.

Money raised from book sales that doesn’t go toward the Ellis project will be saved up by the APE Foundation, Hormel Foundation treasurer Jerry Anfinson said.

Anfinson said he thinks Knowlton’s book is a good read and could sell well nationally.

“The book has far-reaching ramifications,” he said. “We think it’s very interesting.”

“Points of Difference, Transforming Hormel” details the transformation of Hormel from a hog slaughtering plant to a major corporation, according to a press release.

It focuses on questions such as, “What would have happened had Hormel closed?” and explores the potential impact to Austin.