I AM POSTING THIS BACK TO THE TOP!  GET THOSE ENTRIES IN NOW!  I WILL PICK A WINNER ON CHRISTMAS EVE!  

Forget the food.  Today is about something more…stopping time in our busy lives to gather with family and friends.  Taking a moment to reflect on all that we are given in life that we take for granted.  Being in the moment, living a full life and being THANKFUL for all that we have….good or bad.  I could rattle off a list of things that I am grateful for this year, but chances are you would already know them all.  I think it is easy for us to say we are thankful for food, shelter, family, etc.  We all are.  It is so easy to be thankful when things are good…right?  

This year has been a tough one for many people.  The loss of jobs, the loss of loved ones.  Just about everyone you meet has a story of their own.  And just like last year, I want to help!  I am relaunching the giving is awesome campaign for 2009.  If you know someone who has had a rough year, shoot me an email and maybe we can make their day!  The details are below..

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS DEC. 24 by 5pm!

I joined the giving is awesome campaign again this year along with other photographers nationwide. 

It is a chance to give back this season.  Read below for details!!

 

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $500 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $100 print credit.

What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in North Carolina. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork.

Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : candi@candileonard.com subject:giving.

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve – 

get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season – 

and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Candi Leonard