“Through the Eyes of Our Children” Expresses Hopes and Dreams of Young Cancer Patients

MANHATTAN, N.Y. - Oct. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Children with cancer and other serious illnesses who have difficulty verbalizing their emotions often produce astounding artwork that visually expresses their hopes, fears, and dreams. On October 21st, Chai Lifeline West Coast, the children’s health support network, will join with Bear Givers to produce Through the Eyes of Our Children, an exhibition and sale of artwork created by children living with illness.  Admission is free.

         Through the Eyes of Our Children is part of the Empower Art program created by Bear Givers, a New York-based organization that provides children in need with opportunities to feel the pride and joy of engaging in acts of kindness and generosity. The Empower Art program enables children with illnesses or special needs to express their creativity in art shows that benefit the organizations with which they interface regularly.  "Bear Givers is happy to partner with Chai Lifeline and to support an event that will allow these young artists to showcase their creativity and empower their spirits,” says Joseph Sprung, Chairman of Bear Givers

         The exhibit is the natural extension of Chai Lifeline West Coast’s Color My World, an innovative art therapy program.  “Color My World gives very sick children the opportunity to express themselves in a welcoming, warm environment,” explained Randi Grossman, Chai Lifeline West Coast’s director. The program matches them with young volunteers who work side-by-side to create beautiful and meaningful works of art in a variety of  media.  "For many of our children, having their artwork showcased like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Seeing their artwork framed, displayed, admired, and bought by patrons gives children an exceptional sense of accomplishment and confidence,” said Ms. Grossman.

Celebrity and international artist Auction to Benefit Chai Lifeline

​          As part of the evening’s festivities, professional and celebrity artwork will be auctioned, with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit the children and programs of Chai Lifeline West coast. Among the stars whose artwork will headline the celebrity auction are Dan Aykroyd, Pierce Brosnan, Camryn Manheim, Robert Wagner and additional stars of today's hottest tv shows.  The evening we also feature the work of artwork of over 20 internationally and nationally acclaimed artists including Kim Abeles, Ruth Weisberg, Doni Silver Simons, Marjan Vayghan, and Melinda  Smith Altshuler.

What:

Through the Eyes of Our Children, an exhibition and sale of artwork produced by children with cancer and other illnesses through Chai Lifeline West Coast’s Color My World program. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit Chai Lifeline West Coast.

When:

Monday, October 21, 2013

Where:

The Mark

9320 West Pico Boulevard

Los Angeles

Contact:

Randi Grossman, rgrossman@chailifeline.org, W: (310) 274 6331

C: (310)614 3016

For more information on the event or to speak with the event curators or art therapists

About Chai Lifeline

Chai Lifeline West Coast, Sohacheski Family Center, the regional branch of the international children’s health support network, provides crucial emotional, social and financial assistance that enables families to cope with the diagnosis, treatment and long-term challenges of life-threatening or debilitating chronic medical conditions.   From insurance advocacy, financial assistance, tutoring and counseling services to respite assistance, recreational events and two medically supervised overnight summer camps for seriously ill children and teens, Chai Lifeline's overriding mission is to help alleviate the many stresses parents endure and bring joy and hope to children.  All programs are provided to families free of charge and delivered with discretion, sensitivity and compassion. www.chailifeline.org/westcoast.

About Bear Givers

Bear Givers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy to the lives of children and adults with the symbolic gift of a loveable Teddy Bear. Bear Givers believes that the altruism of some can exponentially affect the lives of many. Its programs facilitate an environment where "givers" are empowered by bringing joy to others and enabling young people with special needs, like the children of Chai Lifeline West Coast, to feel the satisfaction of being able to give back to others.www.beargivers.org.