Pages

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Giving Back :: Pillows-of-Love Fundraiser

I am always in awe of what God can do when one person commits to following His lead and the story behind this wonderful ministry is both inspiring and enlightening. Pillows-of-Love held it's third annual Pillowcase Derby on a gorgeous, sunny, April Saturday in downtown Hershey. Palmyra resident Kim Jerrehian founded this ministry just five years ago with a donation of 40 pillowcases and Bibles to a local shelter. Pillows-of-Love has now provided over 25,000 Bibles and colorful, handmade pillowcases to women and children in recovery shelters, pregnancy centers and international orphanages. You can read more at: http://www.pillows-of-love.com/ and there will be more images from this year's event posted in the next couple of weeks.

I was honored to be asked to capture the day in images~ there was so much activity, it was hard to choose just a few to post! Great baked treats, balloon art, crafts, face painting, clowns, and the kids just had a blast hopping, skipping and running around. The best part of the day for me was hearing one little girl tell her friend, "this is one my favorite days of the year." Here is a glimpse of the day:

Starting the event with prayer


love the pillowcase colors!




kids could hop, skip, run or walk around the 'track'


get their card punched for each lap


line up for the Pillowcase jump race


and receive a trophy as thanks for their effort!


Pillows-of-Love founder, Kim Jerrehian shared about the ministry


homemade cake to celebrate the 5th anniversary~
my friend's mom made this...yum!!


Pillows-of-Love Board of Directors~ thanks for putting together a great event!
Labels: , ,

1 comment:

  1. Colette CoccoMay 1, 2009 at 8:59 AM

    Marci, thanks for these wonderful memories of the Pillowcase Derby! Your photos capture the joyful, festive day perfectly! With thanks, Colette

    ReplyDelete

This is where you can post your thoughts about the pics! If this was your session, feel free to comment or describe a little bit about your experience. If you're just checking out the post, do you have a favorite image? Thanks for sharing ;-)

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Links

Photo gallery website for proofing and additional info: www.mycirclephotos.com 


Circle of Life Photography's page on Facebook~ Click HERE to add this page to your favorites!


Michelle Miller allowed me to link to her brilliant post about the art of photographing ... I simply cannot say it better myself! Click HERE to read the post.

Giving Back~ Organizations supported by Circle of Life Photography

In giving back, Circle of Life Photography's main goal is to help those experiencing extreme poverty and nourishing them with food, shelter and spiritual guidance. Education is a big part of helping people learn how to help themselves and change the downward spiral of poverty for a better future for themselves and their children. Locally, a more tangible way of giving back is through using my photography gifts to serve others who are experiencing crisis (see NILMDTS and Pillows of Love.)


Compassion International~ Haiti's Child Survival Project

http://www.compassion.com/contribution/csp/default.htm

In 2011-12, Circle of Life Photography makes a monthly $30 donation to the non-profit organization, Compassion International, whose goal is to change Haiti through the rescue, nuture and discipling of children during the critical early childhood years.


Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation (NILMDTS) gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart for families overcome by the grief and pain of the death of their newborn or infant. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives. I am an active NILMDTS volunteer photographer for Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Lancaster Women & Babies Hospital.


Joni & Friends Family Retreat

http://www.joniandfriends.org

I am honored to be a volunteer photographer at the Joni & Friends Family Retreat in the Poconos (Spruce Lake Retreat) for a week each summer (click here for past blog post.) Joni & Friends seeks to serve as a ministry of outreach to people with disabilities and their families across the US and around the world. Families from around the country attend Family Retreats seeking relaxation, encouragement and a time to strengthen their family.