Children Mending Hearts - Help them Mend Haiti

Our involvement in art is allows us to connect deeply to the world and open ourselves to new ways of seeing things.  According to an article written by Fran Smith, Why Art Education is Crucial, and Who's Doing it Best, years of research have proven that it is closely linked to academic achievement, social emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity...all of which we want for our children and demand form our schools.

Lysa Heslov, understands this and founded Children Mending Hearts (http://www.childrenmendingheart.org/) in 2008 to help children express themselves creatively.  Her organization conducts art workshops in America with local homeless children's organizations and internationally with NGO's supporting children in conflict zones.

On February 21, 2011, Lysa's organization and Sean Penn's organization will be embarking on a mission to Haiti where they will be lending their time and talents to help the children in Haiti as their country continues to mend itself after the horrific earthquake that rocked it a year ago.  This is a scene of debris in Haiti one year after earthquake struck.  As you can see the reconstruction progress has been slow.

Photo: J. Swicord, VOA

Lysa has reached out to ask for assistance in donating gently used items of the following:  digital cameras, photo paper, and used laptops you may no longer need.  In addition, Haiti is in desperate need of boy's underwear (briefs or boxers).  Please extend your help if you are able to and send the donated items to:

Children Mending Hearts

13741 Venture Blvd.

Sherman Oaks, CA  91423

I would love it if you would join me in this cause.  Your help will be deeply appreciated by all the children that will be affected by your kindness.  Thank you, in advance, for your assistance.

"Art open the closets, airs out the cellars and attics.  It brings healing."  (by Julia Cameron from her book The Artist's Way)

Quash Alzheimer's

The Alzeihmer's Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter's mission is to support efforts in research, care of those affected by Alzheimer's, and the promotion of brain health.  Alzheimer's is a fatal and progressive brain disease with no cure and no survivors.  As part of their efforts, every year, this organization puts together a huge scavenger hunt called "Quash" to help raise funds for their cause.  This year the events will be held at the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa and San Diego. 

Quash involves teams of 2-4 players who will be required to use their brain power, creativiy and team-building skills to complete a scavenger hunt.  Teams will travel on foot and will be required to solve clues that will award them a pre-determined amount of points if they get the correct answers.  The teams will race through this scavenger hunt to the finish line where they will be greeted with a party, music, food and awards. Check out their website for additional information:  www.quashnow.org or http://www.alz.org/quashnow/2010_about_cause.asp


The coordinators of the event are reaching out to organizations to help with gift donations and sponsorship.  Inspired Designs by Patricia (www.idbyp.com) will be donating $200 worth of gift certificates toward the association's need for gift donations.  If your organization would be interested in either donating gift certificates or sponsoring, please contact me at inspireddesignsbypatricia@yahoo.com.  Help make a difference.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." (Mahatma Gandhi)