MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, TX is absolutely the most impressive hospital in the world. They are ranked #1 year after year for finding cures for cancer. My husband, Norman and I make it top priority in our annual giving budget.
One of my favorite programs there is the Children’s Art Project and the annual trunk show that we attend every year, hosted by our neighbors and friends the Gartner’s and the Gaido’s. They have been hosting this holiday party for 8 years now and raise more than $15,000.00 every year for this program.
The trunk show concept started about 15 years ago. About 12 different trunk shows are held each year around the state as far east as Jackson, MS, west to Midland, and as far south as Brownsville. Each gives MD Anderson the opportunity to raise awareness about the Children’s Art Project and MD Anderson, as well as connect with their loyal supporters.
In September, the Gold Star Event is held to kick off new art projects for the year, then leads to the trunk shows in homes up to Christmas.
What started as a “Christmas Card Project” in the 70’s has evolved into a wide-ranging product assortment across 50 categories_stationery, greeting cards, home decor (pillows, tabletop), serving and entertaining (aprons, dish towels, ceramic plates), products for kids (books, dish sets, bibs), seasonal decor (metal artwork, resin an ceramic ornaments) and beautiful glass ornaments (including brands like Christopher Radio and Reed & Barton)
All products are available online at www.childrensart.org or at the Children’s Art Project Boutique at 1121 Uptown Park Blvd Houston, TX.
Cards are also sold at 2000+ retail outlets, including grocery partners HEB, Randalls/ Tom Thumb, Kroger and Central Market.
It’s all about gifts that give back! Proceeds for the sale of these products support a variety of patient programs at MD Anderson…..you can read through them in more detail online http://www.childrensart.org/page.php/your-purchase-helps-i-7
Every trunk show has its own style. It could be an afternoon open house, luncheon or a great evening party. This trunk show is a great holiday party catered by the famous Gaido’s Restaurant in Galveston, TX. The Gaido’s are also one of the hosts of this event.
Check out some of this awesome seafood prepared by the Gaido’s chefs. Yummy!!!
Oysters, shrimp, and salmon……oh my…….
Thanks to the many loyal patrons like Donna Gartner (far right) and Mary Kay Gaido (center left) with the help of experienced MD Anderson marketing staff like Laura Dandridge (center right), that help raise money for projects for children with cancer.
Since the founding in 1973, the Children’s Art Project has raised over $30 million for the Children’s Cancer Hospital and MD Anderson.
Filling philanthropic today?…….then just go to www.childrensart.org to buy a hostess gift, birthday, baby gift, graduation, or an early Christmas present. If you don’t need anything, then think about a donation, large or small. Our children with Cancer need us!!!!
RILEY Pearland, TX.
