Race 4 Autism Fundraising Event

Last Wednesday, I was invited by a friend to participate in a fundraising event for Autism. Thank you Tami! I found it a privilege to participate in an event that is so worthwhile. I offered up a gift certificate for photography for their silent auction. This is particularly near and dear to my heart as my son is effected by Asperger's Syndrome, a milder form within the Autism Spectrum disorders.

American Indoor Karting & Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia held the “Race For Autism.” It was put on at American Indoor Karting on Lynnhaven in honor of Autism Awareness Month. This race helped raise awareness and a percentage of the proceeds were given to the Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia.   There are so many ways to get involved and help out.  This was a great one!

As I was there, I of course had my camera that we affectionately have named "The Duchess." The duchess and I captured a lot of great people who helped out with the cause that night. I believe there were 8 teams participating including Tami's husband John with the T-Mobile team. The other teams included Valdez Family Team Justin, BB&T, Best Buy, Mythics, Just for People, Hooters, and Team Hunter. Congratulations to Best Buy who had a great race beating the other teams out.  Yes, even T-Mobile, sorry Tami!  Overall, it was quite impressive to see these businesses and all the people there supporting a great cause. 

My litle buddy JT getting sweet the Hooter's team.

More of the images can be viewed on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/CocoaBeanPhoto.  If you participated in the event and would like a digital copy, please let me know.

For more information about the Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia. Call 757-461-4474 or visit http://www.tidewaterasa.org/.

Kaela- Missing her Mom

This is a look back at a very special session I did last year of a beautiful young girl, Kaela who had an equally beautiful personality. It was about this time of year and it was chilly.  Carla, her grandmother, recently contacted me and I thought I would show off the portrait session we had at the beach.  I also wanted to share the touching note Carla wrote:

Kaela is a 9 yr. old child of Autism, she is bright, loving, and funny in her own kind of way. Her Mother is in the Navy, and at the time the photos were taken she was in Bahrain and had been for almost a year. I wanted these photos taken and made into an album to be given to her Mother for not only Mother's Day, but as a Homecoming Gift as well.


Monica,

I really appreciate what you do for the Military, it is such a Wonderful way of giving back to them.

THANK YOU!!

Carla

Carla,  thank you for allowing me to capture these moments!

"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera."

                                    -Dorthea Lange