dolls: kids helping kids

It's that time of year again when I begin working on the CTT Annual Friendraiser/Fundraiser. I'm happy to report that we are going to bring back the Doll Project this year!

Before I get too carried away with the exciting news about the second round of dolls and the Kansas City artist collaborators, I'd like to tell you about one man who was so inspired by the project last year that he found a way to create his own doll project fundraiser to benefit Change the Truth.

I received the following email back in September from Adam Finkleston, a really cool guy who teaches photo at a local high school (the same school attended by Team 4 member Emily):

"I teach photography and sponsor the National Art Honor Society at Shawnee Mission East High School. I would like NAHS to help Change The Truth. I have an idea for a project that would take place in February or March. I was inspired by your doll show last June. My plan is to have my students do service projects with our feeder elementary and middle schools to make a variety of dolls. High school students would also make the dolls- possibly we'd even get some parent/artists to make some?- and then sell them at a gallery show to raise some money for your organization."

Adam is a man of his word. Just the other day I received the following press release from him:

"Shawnee Mission East National Art Honor Society Presents:

Youth for Truth
A benefit for Change the Truth and St. Mary Kevin Orphanage Motherhood in Kajjansi, Uganda
VALA Studio and Gallery, 5815 Johnson Drive, Mission, KS
Sunday, May 8th from noon to 5 PM
Student-made dolls and artwork for sale

Since January, elementary, middle and high school students in the Shawnee Mission East High School area have been collaborating on doll-making workshops to benefit Change the Truth. CTT is a not- for- profit organization run by local artist, Gloria Baker Feinstein. Students, inspired by dolls and figures created by the St. Mary Kevin Orphanage residents, have created a variety of dolls and figures for sale at VALA Studio and Gallery at 5815 Johnson Drive in Mission, KS. Shawnee Mission East students are also providing live music for the event."

Adam sent along these pictures, as well.

Isn't it so cool when one idea inspires another? When helping others becomes contagious? When we put on our collective thinking caps on and figure out ways to get more and more people involved in the cause? When a person just simply decides to do something to help and then follows through in a big way?

Isn' it just the best when kids help kids?






Thank you, Adam. Kansas City is lucky to have a teacher like you!