Very rewarding to donate my time

Last year I painted at the Treck Or Treat event put on by a local childrens cancer research foundation called Jay's Hope. I was able to paint a fire breathing dragon on one boys head with flames wrapping around his bald head. he said "that's cooler than hair!" . I was also asked to paint a one finned dolphin on a brave little girl that had only one leg. That of course made me tear up as she told me about how exited she was to be in the race earlier that morning and that she was proud of herself for getting 4th place! What an inspiration!
Last year Jay's hope supplied 4 of the 10 color snazaroo palettes for me to work with. I only opened two and the ended up giving me a third one to keep. I made about 40$ and donated 30$. This year I brought those same kits back and used them all day. I was offering painting essentially for free but still had my prices on my board. I told customers those were my normal prices but we were just taking donations on behalf of Jay's Hope. I had more than one person drop a $20 in the bucket! At the end of the day I payed my line manager $15 and after my 30$ donation I had about $60 left. I sat and thought about it along time and the little girl w/ the dolphin walked by my tent to say thanks one more time. I just couldn't live with myself for taking the $60 home with me so I walked over to the manager and told her I'd like to donate my portion to the foundation. My line manager (16 yr old stepsister) came up behind me and did the same thing! I was so proud of her and I felt very rewarded to have a chance to give back to these wonderful children. I'm looking forward to doing another event for them this spring.

Aw... that's nice.

That's a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it.

Lovely story I love the lad's comment about the painting being "cooler than hair" - that's great

I'm one who rarely works for free/donation....BUT, when it is a cause close to your heart, and you have moments like these...it is magical. And I hear ya, more than once I have been touched by my clients and have donated my take. Good for you! I'm glad you have these memories. Although this is a business...sometimes, the smiles are worth far more than the $$, and there is always the next gig to pay the bills.

There will be more gigs to pay the bills. But there are things that money (luckily) can't pay/buy. Love your post

Thankyou for sharing...My eyeballs needed cleaning.. I look after a 10 yr old boy with terminal cancer who has 90% vision...he is the most amazing person I have ever met.. he is kinder that most children, less selfish and has an amazing peacefulness about him..i have to think that god is closer to them in this stage as he seems almost angelic.. He has enriched my life so much and I feel very lucky to have him in our lives.. Peach painter I am thrilled that you have been able to share your gift with those who truly do deserve a break!
What it gives back to you,, far out weighs payment...xx hugs xx

Good for you. How inspiring,.

this is the little boy I was blessed to meet during the cancer fundraiser. THIS is the reason I paint!

Beautiful

Yes,I know that feeling