This is the second year I have been affiliated with the Buffalo, New York chapter of Make-A-Wish. My only issue is I wish I had the time to be more involved. I have an idea for additional involvement that I will share at the end of this post.
I’ve added some of my favorite photos from this years gala. The gala is difficult for me to explain. It’s something which really needs to be seen. It is a “creative black tie.” The theme every year is “Reach for the Stars.” The idea behind the theme is we are all stars. We all have the power to make change in our own lives and the lives of others. Most of us are lucky individuals and have no idea how lucky we are. We live in the wealthiest country in the world where opportunities are at every turn. It is up to us to identify them and to take them. I am one of those lucky individuals. I have a beautiful wife who supports me as well as two great kids. I have super family and friends who also are supportive of me and push me to be better. Of course I can’s forget the fantastic brides and grooms who trust me with their memories. I am privileged to have such a wonderful job. To all of you, I say “Thank you.”
This has to be my favorite photo from all of the portraits which I took. 1-minute with Sarah and you realized why you were at the gala. If Rob looks familiar it’s because I photographed Meagan and Rob’s wedding on January 9, 2010. You can see photos from the couple’s engagement and wedding here.
Ken and his team starred in “Revenge of the Nerds.” Ken is the COO of the Accessium Group and Secretary of the Western New York Chapter of Make-A-Wish. Ken is also the individual who has helped me to become involved with Make-A-Wish.
Grrrrr! This is the fun booth and the spirit of the annual gala. Have fun and support a great organization.
Dallas Pace and her friends. Dallas was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma. A rare form of bone cancer that affects 3-4 children in the US every year. You can go here to see a video interview with Dallas.
Dallas recorded a 3-song CD titled “Right Now.” Dallas recorded the CD in the same studio in Buffalo, NY where the Goo Goo Dolls had recorded their most recent studio album. I had been asked to photograph Dallas for her CD but was forced to cancel due to an appointment conflict.
Sarah and Ken.
I just had to have my photo taken with Sarah. Thanks Ken for snapping this shot. Sarah is a true inspiration. She smiles all the time and her smiles just make you want to smile.
As per usual the event was awesomely powerful. It makes me feel so good to be able to give something back to others who are less fortunate than I. When I have an opportunity to use my photography to capture smiling faces…well that’s just the icing on the cake.
So…in my last post I had said I was going to share an idea I had to become more involved with Make-A-Wish. As I have also said before more time is not an option. I’ve taken a page from Yvonne Chouinard’s company, Patagonia. I will donate a minimum of 1% from every wedding I book back to Make-A-Wish.
As always, thanks to my readers for your constant support. Please think about making a donation to you local Make-A-Wish chapter.
Chris
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