Making a 'splashtastic' impact for children

​Every time I am involved in the Splash process, it is different from my previous experience. Different, but even more wonderful! With every Splash, I learn to look for reactions, be it feedback from the recipients, or impressions from my fellow artists. My latest Splash had it all.
 
Our first project was a Painting for A Purpose event, held in conjunction with the American Bankers Association conference in Orlando. The completed murals from the event would be gifted to two Ronald McDonald Houses in St. Petersburg. Since none of the members of our team had ever been involved in this type of event, we had no preconceived expectations. But, under the watchful eye of our team leader Jimmy Knapp, we were ready! When the first group of conference attendees arrived, we encouraged them to get involved and get painting. At the start, people weren’t sure if they had the courage or the talent. But, by the end of our time there, attendees of all ages were seeking us out, both excited and proud that their work would be showcased at a Ronald McDonald house for the kids and their families to enjoy.
 
After the conference, we left for a local Airbnb, ready to spend a few days tweaking the murals for the Ronald McDonald Houses,  painting four ceiling tiles and three murals for Cone Health in North Carolina. With renewed energy and a new Splash participant, we set to work. In a few days, we completed the murals, and varnished them to get them set for their new homes. Delivering the murals to the Ronald McDonald Houses in St. Petersburg was first, and what a joy to find out the murals exceeded their expectations! 
 
Involvement with an enthusiastic team is gratifying, but working with a Splashes of Hope team is the best! Congratulations to our Splash team members: Donna and Bill Kreutz, Russ and Catherine Brown, Laura and Leah Pertot, and our newest member, Lou Amato.

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