It’s our big day! Photography for a Cause goes live…and while we’re all terribly excited, we’re holding our breath a bit too, crossing our fingers and hoping that you enjoy our work and want to help support our chosen organizations.

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!