Bravery Project attempts to go nonprofit

With the help of some very generous professionals, I am working towards turning the portrait project into a nonprofit status organization as Bravery Project, Inc. (BP) There are many reasons for this. The project has blossomed, which is really great, but framing and art supplies can be very expensive, not to mention the printing papers, ink cartridges, and online services, etc. Fortunately for me, I've managed to keep costs to a minimum, but I am forced to seek outside monetary assistance through grant and donation requests. As a non-profit, anyone who chooses to donate to the project can receive tax receipts to write off on their taxes. Additionally, I plan to collect donations for the shelters in October (remember that 100% of October online/mailed donations go to the shelter groups). In order to maximize the success of the activities, non-profit status will provide the right structure to do this correctly, if the IRS grants permission. Who knows, the Bravery project could be quite successful and continue for a long time, but only with people working together to make the magic happen.

A bit of that magic is coming to fruition. If you check the calendar on my website, you will see that several events have been added. These are wonderful opportunities to share BP with other people. Some events will have a full gallery style display of whatever completed artwork is available along with a table filled with flyers, cards, etc to promote the project. February is especially exciting because of the new shelter opening out in the Peoria area. This will be the first and only safe-house for residents of that area. A much needed service.

I am also honored to be invited to the upcoming Vagina Monologue performances. What a fun way to spend the evening. If any of you can make it out to see the plays, please do so. Each performance is different, thought provoking, and very funny. You may never think of yourself the same way again.

If anyone would like to have BP at an event, please let me know. As always, I am still looking for volunteers for free portraits, so if you know of anyone who may be interested, please pass along the word.

Change begins with conversations at the dinner table.