As many of you know, I'm dedicated and devoted to the issue of fighting heart disease and stroke. For me it was a very natural decision to join this cause because my father is a cardiologist and I've watched him dedicate himself, his career and his life to fighting this battle. Following in his footsteps, I was inspired earlier this year to contact Lacy Ekert, Heart Walk Director, and Kristi Wong, Heart Ball Director, from the local chapter of the American Heart Association. Lacy, Kristi and I had a face to face meeting and discussed options and ways that Shalimar Studios could help in the fight against heart disease, as well as how the studio could raise money.
One such avenue we helped in, was photographing the 2010 Annual Heart Ball Fundraiser. That was held at the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas in April, and not only did we photograph the event, we also donated a portrait package to the silent auction. The lucky winner of our package was Jennifer Martinez of which I will be photographing her and her family, later next month.
Another way of devoting my time and energy to the American Heart Association is through the annual Heart Walk. I am a past Heart Walk participant and this year I formed Team Shalimar Studios. To date, we are the top grossing community team in the Las Vegas area, and so Lacy, the Heart Walk Director, asked me to speak about my fundraising success at the kick-off party held at the M Resort. I was not only nervous, but proud to be asked to speak as I think my little contribution can be a catalyst for others to get involved and make a difference. This year's Heart Walk will be on Saturday, October 16th and I am eagerly looking forward to not only reaching my team goal, but exceeding it, all the while crossing the Heart Walk finish line side by side with friends, clients and family who can support this cause. Please click here for a direct link to the Shalimar Studios donation page and make your pledge today. Or join our team and help raise funds of your own. We are looking for team members to participate in the walk, as well as raise funds, and the participant with the most donations, will receive a complimentary portrait session from Shalimar Studios.
Here's me nervously speaking to the crowd at the party. I even started to tear up when I talked about my father and his devotion to this field.
And here I am with Lacy and Kristi. Ladies, I'm so proud to stand next to you in this crucial fight to save lives.
