In case you haven’t had an opportunity yet to browse my galleries, you can view and order fine art photography like this ::

Help us as we serve to help others….and receive beautiful photography for your home too!

I’ve chosen two charities that directly impact the quality of lives in our community and halfway around the world. Shepherd’s Crossing is my chosen local organization. Their work began with the ministry of several local churches involved with the Manhattan Ministerial Association who wished to support individuals in our community who needed assistance with rent, utilities and prescription medications. With services offered to residents of Riley County and St. George, families are able to receive budget assistance, counseling and financial support for basic necessities.

The other organization I’ve chosen to benefit is Thirst Relief International. One BILLION people lack access to clean drinking water — something that you and I might take for granted as we let the water run while we brush our teeth or watch the kiddos run through the sprinkler on a hot summer day. Over 2.5 million people die each year because of lack of access to clean water. For less than $5, we can provide clean drinking water to a person for life. Thirst Relief is the concept of Jim Davis-Hicks, wedding photographer, and with the support of Mike Colon and other photographers, has gained support in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style magazine. A team of photographers visited Tanzania for two weeks in 2009, built water filters, photographed a story for Grace Ormonde :: you can read participant Melissa Jill’s story about it here. After seeing their presentation at WPPI last spring I have known in my heart that this would be an incredible organization that makes a huge impact.

(image provided by Thirst Relief)

It can take so little to lend a hand to another. So little. Which is why Photography for a Cause is an awesome reason to give! Your portrait purchases from our fine art galleries support these causes and can help others to have some of the same basic necessities of life as you and I do. Take a peek at the galleries (and a big bonus — you can order right from them!) and help support these worthy causes!

And here are a couple of images in my galleries ::

Happy Friday–and happy shopping!

Chris Hsieh of La Brisa Photography came up with a fantastic concept a couple of years ago :: for the entire month of April, to sell our fine art photographs with profits going to our desired local and national/international non-profits organizations and charities. Photography for a Cause began in 2009 with humble expectations, but the overwhelming support has raised $1,009 (2009) and $1,500 (2010) to contribute to amazing charities. This year, the effort has grown to include several other photographers, including me (hooray!), ericamay photography, Scott Bean Photography, Luke Townsend Photography, and Anobel Odisho. Our goal is to collaboratively raise $3,000 this month.

So. A worthy event like this needs a worthy logo! Chris and I had a few discussions about what he felt like his identification should look like, and he was intrigued by the idea of a rubber stamp. So, ideas flowed and the following identification is the result for the event ::

We would be honored with your support! The event kicks off TOMORROW, April 1 and will run the entire month of April. Tomorrow I’ll be posting a sneak peek of my fine art gallery and the organizations I’m benefiting for the event. In the meantime, you can learn more on our Facebook page!

I’m also happy to share that a percentage of the proceeds for the event will benefit the Flint Hills Breadbasket :: the need is so, so great right now and we can help make the holidays a little brighter for another family. Just another way we’re paying it forward in our community!

In his weeks on this earth, Colgin left a huge impression on the hearts of many, even though his own heart needed healing. A congenital condition made him a beautiful, smiling angel to the Lohman family a few short weeks after he was born in 2001.

Colgin’s family carries his spirit with them in everything they do. And each year, around his birthday, the family has organized a memorial golf tournament to celebrate his life and raise funding for a room in his honor at Mercy Regional Health Center. Over the past eight years, the event has raised nearly $50,000.

The 2011 event is a milestone one for the Lohman family and the tournament. June 19, 2011 marks Colgin’s tenth birthday :: and to mark the occasion, the family has planned an extra-special weekend to celebrate, remember, and honor Colgin. As such, a special person like this needs a special identification, and I was honored to be asked to create a logo that helped to memorialize Colgin and everything he means to the Lohman family. I’m proud to share Colgin’s logo and to pay it forward in a small way to the Lohmans ::

Here’s also more information about the June 2011 event, to be held at Prairiewood Retreat and Wamego Country Club ::

This coming Saturday, June 5, will mark the ninth annual event. If you’re in the area and would like to attend, you may register your team and find out more information here.

Watch for another PIF this week to come, too!