Most kids expect to see their artwork on their parents' refrigerator, and not hanging in bank and credit union branches across the greater Sacramento, California region. Three years ago at age nine, Celeste Hewitt painted a swirling pink heart. This summer, her artwork became a symbol of how the greater Sacramento region is coming together to support local families with developmental disabilities.
For two months, local residents in five counties surrounding Sacramento had the opportunity to purchase a "Love My Family" heart at SAFE Credit Union branches, with proceeds supporting UCP of Greater Sacramento. After making a $5, $10 or $15 donation, each person printed their name on a copy of Celeste's artwork, which hung in the branches.
Each dollar amount was tied to a specific UCP program. The $5 hearts supported a child at the UCP Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State University, the region's only after-school therapeutic recreational program for kids with autism. For $10, local residents helped provide care for an exhausted parent caring for a developmentally disabled child, through the UCP of Greater Sacramento family respite program. By purchasing $15 hearts, local residents helped give a child or adult the chance to ride a horse while developing self-confidence and motor skills in the hippotherapy program, UCP Saddle Pals.
The campaign raised $7,000 for UCP of Greater Sacramento programs, showing how the community opened their wallets and hearts.
"Money goes a long way at our UCP affiliate," said Doug Bergman, president and CEO. "With $7,000, we can provide several hours of respite care to 50 families, cover the costs for more than 15 children to attend the UCP Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State for a month or provide a child with therapeutic horseback riding lessons for more than a year."
Equally important, the campaign taught young Celeste that she has a gift that makes a difference. She has not let cerebral palsy stop her from being an artist—or a traveler or equestrian, for that matter. She is living life without limits, and thanks to her beautiful artwork, others will too.
For more information, please contact Samantha Garcia at (916) 565-7700.
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