The Almond Tree Project will kick off the 85th anniversary of Utica’s Stanley Theatre

Utica (WUTR-TV/WSYR-TV) - The Stanley Theatre in Utica will be celebrating 85 years in the coming months.

To kick off the celebrations, the international bestselling author of "The Almond Tree" and Utica native will be holding a fundraiser called "The Almond Tree Project."

Author Michelle Corasanti will talk about her journey of writing her book.

"I just wanted to show that we are all human beings. My story is about a boy who is against all odds and overcomes and succeeds. I show how strong we could be if we work together. It's a completely different approach of who did what to who and who is right and who is wrong," said Corasanti.

The fundraiser is scheduled for April 23 at the Stanley. The event will be a Middle Eastern celebration that will include lectures, music and interviews.