Over the holidays I took time to do a little thinking. I thought about my kids and how much I love them, about my family, my church, my relationship with Christ, my friends, my health and many other things. I also began to think how fortunate I was to have what I have. One Saturday while I was wrapping gifts for family and friends I realized that I truly enjoyed giving gifts more than receiving. As weird as it may seem, I enjoyed thinking about the gift I was giving (instead of going the easy route with a gift card or some regular same ole same ole present), the presentation of the gift through the choice of gift wrap and the neatness to how I wrapped it, and the reaction of the person receiving the gift. It was at that moment that I decided to give much more of myself in 2009 and going forward. No matter the cost. But how?
Well, I’ve come with two major initiatives.
#1 – Giving is Awesome: Giving back to those really deserve it.
#2 – Support those fighting for our freedom overseas.
In this post I will be explaining the first initiative – Giving is Awesome.
Here’s the details.
You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $900 worth, to be exact. The winner receives 2 photo sessions, a premier online slideshow, and a $400 product credit. Whether it’s a canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve.
Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a photo session and a $100 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in Augusta/Aiken area. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
*This contest will be held 4 times this year. Contest #1 runs between January 2 to March 31. Contest #2 runs between April 1 to June 30. Contest #3 runs between July 1 to September 30. And contest #4 runs between October 1 to December 24.
*The contest deadlines will be on the last day of the contest at 11:59pm.
* You must e-mail me the full story : kent@lawrencekent.com
The winner will be announced 3 days following the contest end date — so get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this year — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
With love,
Lawrence Kent
The second initiative will be posted on Monday, January 5, 2009, so check back then to read about that. It’s AWESOME too!
