#VIPVolunteers: mel and dolly

Six months ago, Splashes of Hope was gifted with a very special family, Mel and Dolly.

Recently retired, Mel is sure keeping busy helping SOH with many endeavors: from mural installations, site visits, framing, moving boxes, and (of course) mural painting! We are so fortunate to have this distinguished professional, veteran, and family man, in our studios every week.

​Mel's lovely wife, of 61 years, Dolly, has been active in our office and helping with fundraising activities. Dolly also volunteers at Huntington Hospital, which is where we first met the adorable couple!  They are the proud parents of 2 and have 4 beautiful grandchildren.

This Dynamic Duo also contribute to a variety of SOH events and community functions, while their son Stewart donates his jazzy, funky original piano pieces for our SOH videos!

​It would be impossible to list all of the contributions that this lovely couple has made to our organization – as it would be endless, just as our gratitude is for them.  This goes for all of the fabulous Splash Family and trusty volunteers.

We would like to thank Mel and Dolly for their active dedication to Splashes of Hope, and for being a distinguished part of our family!  We are so very grateful for their support.  

​Please view what Mel has to say about his experience with Splashes of Hope:

Upon recently retiring, I wanted to explore opportunities as a volunteer and find a way to make a positive contribution that influences the lives of others.  Splashes of Hope, founded in 1996, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating art to transform spaces, enrich environments and facilitate healing.  It provided me with an opportunity to apply my artistic background and work along with other volunteers to make a difference.

Working in their studios located in historic Coindre Hall in Huntington, the staff develops artwork with inspirational themes and designs which are then converted to painted murals and installed in hospital rooms, hallways, rehabilitation centers and other healthcare facilities.  They have one basic goal; to brighten the lives of others with this concept “Art from the Heart.”  Custom artwork has been installed in facilities throughout the United States and Europe, made possible only with contributions and fund raising.

The testimonial below describes a recent installation in a children’s unit in Nassau University Medical Center. 

‘It has been upsetting to see children at such a vulnerable place in their lives being placed in a unit so far from being aesthetically suitable for a child. The murals are beautiful and calming and are a signal to these children that they are valued and cared for.'

This is just one example of the impact of ‘Art from the Heart’ and how Splashes of Hope can help make a difference. 

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