We are working on our first art fundraiser.
I was introduced to the Warner family through my colleague, Linda Dzurka, an elementary art teacher for Oxford Schools. When she heard about my idea for art fundraisers, she told me she knew of a family who needed help raising money to adopt a boy with Down syndrome from overseas.
Here is their story: Dave and Lisa Warner have been married for almost 3 years. Lisa brought three wonderful sons to their marriage. Shortly after their marriage they decided they wanted to add to their family. After a heartbreaking miscarriage, Lisa got pregnant with Jacob. After tests revealed Jacob had Down syndrome they did not know what to expect. There was a fear of the unknown and they knew that they needed to take a leap of faith and trust in God.
Jacob is now 2 1/2 and has been such a blessing to their family. The birth of Jacob inspired them to research Reece’s Rainbow where they learned how some other societies treat disabled children as unvaluable. When they found Cliff/Joshua’s picture, they immediately knew he was their son and from that point forward they have been determined to bring him home where he belongs.
Lisa and Dave drove down from Bay City on a Saturday morning and brought their son, Jacob. Linda and I had Jacob sit on the floor where he painted with acrylics using his hands to create the painting. Here you can see him create the painting.
It was such a pleasure to work with the Warners and I appreciated them taking the hour and a half trip to WillowsEdge from their home in Bay City.
With Linda's help, we have created a final product to sell. Proceeds from the fundraising will go to the Warner family while any other funds raised above what the Warner family needs will be given to Reeces Rainbow to help other families bring home their children.
Prints are available at http://www.willowsedge.net/ to Help Bring Joshua Home!
Prints are available at http://www.willowsedge.net/ to Help Bring Joshua Home!
