PPA Charities Feed

Bid on PPA Charities January 19 Gala Auction Items from Home — NOW!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2013-01-11T21:24:55-05:00

For 2013 the January 19 PPA Charities Celebration Gala and Auction at Imaging USA gives you an opportunity to bid on a fantastic array of merchandize ranging from photographic items to jewelry; educational materials, events, and mentoring; travel opportunities and Atlanta attractions, software and templates, and a host of gift baskets and gift certificates.

Live Event Information

New for 2013, bidding will begin online and close at 8pm on the Thursday prior to our event in Atlanta, where bidding will continue that evening. The winners will be determined by the high bids at the close of the live event auction on Saturday, January 19th.
THIS MEANS - If you are the high bidder when the online auction closes, there is still a chance you may be outbid on Saturday evening. If you are not attending the live event in Atlanta on Saturday and really want the item, place your high bid now. (Online bids will not be updated in real-time on Saturday evening.)

By taking the time to participate in the online bidding, you can read about the various items via the online bidding site. This way you’ll know exactly what you are bidding on and the value of the various items.

PLEASE NOTE: As per vendor requests, a Bidder may only win one item from the same vendor.

You will want to bid high online and block out your competition for the live event!

(If you're not attending ImagingUSA and you're the high bidder, we'll contact you after the event to arrange for payment and shipping.)

Pickup Instructions

We will contact you after the event to arrange for payment and shipping. Many items will be available for pickup at ImagingUSA.

Here is a list of the auction items as of this date. To view the updated list and to place your bid, click on this link: www.32auctions.com/ppacharities2013

A Weekend with Bert & Cindy Behnke
Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended
Art & Soul: Stars Unite to Celebrate and Support the Arts by Brian Smith
Asuka Book USA
Atlanta History Center / Margaret Mitchell House
Bay Photo
Bert and Cindy Behnke DVD Collection
Britney Kirby Fulgraf - Belvedere Studio
Chimera Lighting
CNN Studio Tour and Gift Bag
Custom Photo Props
Dahle 507 Rolling Trimmer
Dahle 552 Rolling Trimmer
DriveSavers Data Recovery
Ear Candy Digital - Royalty Free Music
ExpoImaging, Inc
Fotodiox Pro LED-312AS Video Light
GW Moulding
High Museum of Art - Atlanta
ImagingUSA - Full Access Pass to ImagingUSA 2014
Kotori Photo Jewelry
Larson Enterprises
Lensbaby
Marathon Press
Maria Bernal - 2 Hour Mentoring Session
McKayla Maroney US Olympic Print by Kevin Jairaj
Miller's Professional Imaging
NAPP - Instructional DVD
Photoflex
PhotoPantz - 1 pair (size 6-20)
PPA - One Year Membership
Red Boot Design
RetouchUp.com - $100 Adorama Gift Certificate
Richmond Professional Lab
Riveli by ACI - Select Series 10x10 Album
ShoofProof - Upload. Share. Sell.
Simon's Circle - Belvedere Studio
Simply Color Lab / Simply Canvas
StickyAlbums.com
StreetScape Background Collection / Electic Patina
SYNC - Senior + Youth National Conference 2014 Registration
SYNC - Senior + Youth National Conference 2015 Registration
Tamrac Aria 6 Camera / iPad Bag
Tamrac ZipShot Mini Tripod
Texas School of Photography - 2013 Tuition and 5 Night Hotel Stay
Virtual Backgrounds "Background Power" Package
White House Custom Colour
Wild Sorbet Frame & Design
World of Coca-Cola
Zoo Atlanta

Remember to view all auction items and place your bids at this link: www.32auctions.com/ppacharities2013

It's Official: PPA Members Have Saved 2,000 Smiles!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-01-15T11:19:01-05:00

For the third straight year, annual donations to PPA Charities from members and friends have allowed PPA Charities Trustees to allocate a gift of $100,000 to its charitable partner, Operation Smile. The contribution was presented at the PPA Charities Celebration Gala on January 14, in New Orleans.

What's so special about this year's donation is that it brings the total of PPA member contributions to Operation Smile to $500,000! This milestone translates to 2,000 smiles that have been saved through the generosity of PPA members and friends.

A perfect fit for photographers, whose daily business is creating smiles for their clients, Operation Smile's mission is repairing childhood facial deformities including cleft lips and cleft palates.

It takes only $240 to repair the smile of a child because the medical professionals and staff who provide these life-changing operations volunteer their services to Operation Smile.

IUSA to Feature Celebration of Smiles Panel

admin@ppacharities.com — 2013-01-03T12:01:30-05:00

Learn how your studio can benefit from participating in PPA Charities’ 2013 Celebration of Smiles Day scheduled for April 6, 2013. This panel presentation will feature organizers and top donors of the 2012 Smiles Day promotion. They’ll highlight the strategies that helped to make their events successful and reveal how their businesses benefited by standing together with photographers throughout the country to raise funds that support the work of Operation Smile and earn recognition through the promotion’s Portrait Awards contest. Panelists will include Meggan Harper (Florida), Clark Sanders (Arkansas) David Grupa (Minnesota) and Tina Timmons (Michigan); moderators will be Ann Monteith (Pennsylvania) and Britney Fullgraf (Florida), co-chairs of the 2013 event.

Family Portrait Month Ideas

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-10-29T22:33:10-04:00

Here’s a clever Halloween promotion from Virgo Photography as advertised on :

Participating PPA Members Raise $46,581 Through First Annual Celebration of Smiles Day

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-08-08T21:55:55-04:00

PPA Charities President Mary Fisk Taylor has announced the results of the first annual Celebration of Smiles fundraiser in support of the organization’s charitable partner, Operation Smile. Held during April and May, a total of 129 members raised over $46,500 to benefit Operation Smile.

“These funds will go a long way toward meeting our 2012 goal of raising $100,000 for this wonderful organization,” Fisk-Taylor said. As of August 1, PPA Charities’ 2012 fund-raising total stands at $72,180. Because Operation Smile’s medical professionals and support staff volunteer their services, it costs only $240 to provide a simple cleft lip surgery to a child in desperate need. Therefore the funds raised by PPA members so far in 2012 means that over 300 smiles will be saved.

The Celebration of Smiles Day promotion provided consumers with the opportunity to receive a mini-session and a 5x7 professional portrait in exchange for a donation to Operation Smile of only $24; therefore, for every 10 sessions photographed by a participating studio, another smile could be saved by the volunteer professionals of Operation Smile. The official date for the first Celebration of Smiles event was April 21, but studios that had commitments on that date were allowed to conduct the fundraiser on alternate dates in April or May.

Next year’s Celebration of Smiles Day is scheduled for April 6, 2013. PPA members who participated in 2012 will automatically receive information about the 2013 fundraiser. Others who would like to participate in 2013 should email PPACH Executive Director Bert Behnke.

PPACH Portrait Awards Winners Announced

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-08-09T09:50:29-04:00

The winners of the first annual PPA Charities Portrait Awards, which honors images made as part of the Celebration of Smiles Day nationwide fundraiser, have been announced by PPACH Trustee Tina Timmons who chairs the awards, which were judged by PPA members Barbara Bovat, Cr.Photog; Deb Woodard, M.Photog.Cr., CPP; and Owen Kassimir, M.Photog.Cr., CPP.

The grand-prize winner will receive a cash award of $500, and each of the category award, first second, and third place winners will receive a glass award, and all those recognized will receive a honor certificate.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER - Penny Heath, Heath Photography, Redwood, New York

SECOND PLACE - Tara Rochelle, Tara Rochelle Photography, Santa Clarita, California

THIRD PLACE - Tara Rochelle, Tara Rochelle Photography, Santa Clarita, California

CATEGORY AWARDS

BABIES

1st Place
Andrea McKenzie
Andrea McKenzie Photography & Video
Brighton, Michigan

(left) 2nd Place
Sara Goodnick
Sara Goodnick Photography
Fort McDowell, Arizona

(right) 3rd Place
Hubert Gentry
Hubert Gentry Photography
Harrisonburg, Virginia

(left) Honorable Mention
Tracy Dietrich
Tracy Dietrich Photography
Baltimore, Maryland

(right) Honorable Mention
Melaney Wolf
Melaney Wolf Photography
Miamisburg, Ohio

CHILDREN

1st Place
Penny Heath
Heath Photography
Redwood, NY

(left) 2nd Place
Tara Rochelle
Tara Rochelle Photography
Santa Clarita, California

(right) 3rd Place
Damian Battinelli
Damian Battinelli Photography
Plattsburgh, New York

(left) Honorable Mention: Sabina Cavelli - Sabina Cavelli Photography - Naperville, Illinois
(right) Honorable Mention: Cindy Sherman - Cindy Sherman Photography - Boise, Idaho

TEENS

1st Place
Tara Rochelle
Tara Rochelle Photography
Santa Clarita, California

(left) 2nd Place
Hubert Gentry
Hubert Gentry Photography
Harrisonburg, Virginia

(right) 3rd Place
Melanie Anderson
Anderson Photographs
Hagerstown, Maryland

(left) Honorable Mention
Ryan Manthey
Pure 7 Studios
Destin, Florida

(right) Honorable Mention
Andrea McKenzie
Andrea McKenzie Photography & Video
Brighton, Michigan

ADULTS

1st Place
Ryan Manthey
Pure 7 Studios
Destin, Florida

(left) 2nd Place
Ryan Manthey
Pure 7 Studios
Destin, Florida

(right) 3rd Place
Christine Lester-Deats
Christine Photography
Ballard, California

(left) Honorable Mention: Melanie Anderson - Anderson Photographs - Hagerstown, Maryland
(right) Honorable Mention: LeAnne Schmidt - Photog Frog - South Saint Paul, Minnesota

PET PORTRAITS

First Place - Tara Rochelle, Tara Rochelle Photography, Santa Clarita, California

(left) 2nd Place
Hubert Gentry
Hubert Gentry Photography
Harrisonburg, Virginia

(right) 3rd Place
Christine Lester-Deats
Christine Photography
Ballard, California

(left) Honorable Mention
Ryan Manthey
Pure 7 Studios
Destin, Florida

(right) Honorable Mention
Ryan Manthey
Pure 7 Studios
Destin, Florida

Texas School Trustees, Instructors, Students Raise $25,600 for Operation Smile!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-05-15T11:33:00-04:00

For the fourth straight year, generous Texas School trustees, students and instructors chose to support Operations Smile, the charitable partner of PPA Charities, during the April 28-May 3 school session. Spearheaded by an outstanding donation of $5,000 from the Texas School itself, headed by Don Dixon, who also serves as PPA’s chairman of the board, instructors and students challenged each other to give as much as they can to help Operation Smile carry out its important work around the world. Altogether, the Texas School donation for the 2012 school session totaled a record-breaking $25,600!

Because Operation Smile medical and support personnel donate their time, it costs only $240 to provide the gift of life-changing surgery to a deserving child. When adding this year’s Texas School donation to those of the previous three years, this means that Texas School students, instructors, and directors have donated a total of $87,669 to Operation Smile and therefore are responsible for saving 365 precious smiles!

The top student donation of $2,100 was made by attendees of the class taught by Greg and Lesa Daniel, and the following classes donated $1,000 or more: Doug Box and Randy Kerr, Kay Eskridge, Mary Fisk-Taylor and Jamie Hayes, Julie Klaasmeyer, Richard Sturdevant, Michael and Tina Timmons, Janice Wendt, and David Ziser.

Looking for Info on Celebration of Smiles Day?

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-06-01T11:33:09-04:00

To read reports of how PPA members conducted their 2012 Celebration of Smiles Day events, click here.
To read the latest news about PPA Charities’ 2012 Celebration of Smiles Day Promotion or plans for 2013, click here.

Just in Time for Your "Celebration" Promotion — Download this Thank You Handout NOW!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-04-18T07:56:06-04:00

You can drive home the importance of the $24 donation your Celebration of Smiles Day clients are making on April 21 by presenting each of them with a "Thank You for Making a Difference in the Life of a Child!" handout that you can download and print out in your studio. The 8.5 x 11 handout will touch the hearts of your participants when they read about the incredibly important work done by Operation Smile volunteers around the world as well as the commitment of PPA members to support them through PPA Charities. To download the flyer click here.

Buckeye Professional Imaging Offers Free 5x7 Prints to Support "Celebration of Smiles" Day

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-04-19T20:29:06-04:00

Steve Troup, president of Buckeye Professional Imaging, has announced his lab's support of Celebration of Smiles Day by offering to provide participating studios with a FREE 5x7 print for each consumer who takes part in the fundraising promotion. The studio will be billed only for the shipping and handling fee of $5.00 per shipment, so Steve urges studios to consolidate their prints to limit this fee.

To take advantage of this offer, the studio must open an account with Buckeye Professional Imaging by using this link. Next, follow these directions:

Enter PPACH in the referral box.
Supply a credit card when opening the account. There are no charges made on the credit card until orders are completed.
You will find a category in Buckeye’s Roes ordering system, called BOSS, which will be identified as “Celebration of Smiles.” Look for this category within the Luster Print catalog. In that category, you can order the free 5x7s. Buckeye assumes you will be ordering only one 5x7 for the promotion participant.
Additional prints can be ordered in the other catalogs at the normal price. These additional prints can be combined with the free print, so it is all one order.
The Celebration of Smiles catalog will be available until May 31, 2012.

Many thanks to Buckeye Professional Imaging for their generous support of Celebration of Smiles!

First 2012 "Celebration of Smiles" Event Gets Campaign Off to Great Start; 4 Smiles Saved!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-04-12T09:10:53-04:00

On April 7, photographers Sabina Cavalli and Cristiane Laird, of Naperville, Illinois, partnered for an early-bird “Celebration of Smiles” promotion because the April 21 national date could not work for them. Both photographers are fairly new to the Naperville market, but together they raised $960, enough to allow Operation Smile to perform the gift of surgery for four children in desperate need — a wonderful result and a great first event for PPA Charities’ new Celebration of Smiles fundraiser. Curious as to how the event had unfolded for them, Ann Monteith, chairman of the PPA Fundraising Committee, reached Sabina by phone, then corresponded with Cristiane. What she learned, she shares in the following article:

I’ve always been interested in “firsts.” As a print journalist and photojournalist, I’ve covered a lot of profoundly forgettable first-day or first-night events, as well as a few “accidental firsts” that I remember to this day. I contacted Cristiane and Sabina to learn whether they had some words of wisdom to impart to the 300 or so photographers who will be hosting their Celebration of Smiles promotions on April 21 or thereafter, and they did. You can read their very interesting thoughts and useful suggestions below. But I hope you also will read the story of the serendipity that brought these two women together to share this small piece of PPA history. It’s another one of those fascinating “accidental firsts,” that upon reflection couldn’t fit the narrative of what PPA Charities stands for more perfectly.

Consider this about Sabina and Cristiane: Both immigrated to the U.S. from Brazil, and each had well-established careers: Sabina was a law professor and a lawyer in Brazil. “When I moved to the US (I spent 5 years in Minnesota) I found myself stripped of all my competencies,” she explains. “I no longer could teach anything, and my prolific writing skills (in my native language) were worth nothing.” Cristiane, who holds a degree in computer science, was employed as aTest Lead Engineer as her “day job,” and her evening hours were taken up by family. Each enjoyed photography, but to pursue it as a career would not even a consideration. That they would find themselves as competing studio owners working together to open a new chapter in the history of PPA Charities is even more improbable.

Cristiane’s Story

Like so many of today’s photographers Cristiane’s life-long interest in photography became a passion when her children were born: a daughter in 2004 and twin sons in 2007. Equipping herself with a Canon Rebel, she began by making new photos of her daughter every week, “and people loved them.” she recalls.”The word got around and friends said that I should photograph other kids. I always laughed and said thank you, but I had no time to have another job.”

Eventually, Cristiane says, “a light bulb went on, and I decided to look into professional photography opportunities.” After discovering Lori Nordstrom's images, she managed to work up the courage to call her. Lori recommended that Cristiane attend a workshop at Jed and Vicki Taufer’s studio in Illinois (at the time the family was living in Wisconsin). “So in November 2007 I went to Taufer's studio,” she recalls. “The next January I went to my first PPA Convention, and that was it. I resigned from my job after seven years with the company and started building my portfolio and investing in photography education.” Cristiane attended workshops and even earned an associate degree in photography, and in 2009 she launched her website, only to learn that her husband’s work would require a move to Illinois. By June 2010 she was ready to restart her business, which got a boost after she studied with Rachel Marten at an Illinois Workshop class. Now happily working from her home studio that she describes as “taking over my house,” she says: “My home is not new, is not huge, but it is filled with pictures of my children, and I get great compliments every time someone walks in.”

Sabina’s Story

Cristiane and Sabina met through a mutual friend outside of the photography industry. “Brazilians love to make friends,” Cristiane says. Sabina mentioned her passion for photography, and Cristiane was very encouraging. It was only a year ago that Sabina made the decision to pursue photography as a career. She explains: “It took a seven-year journey to find myself again as a woman, immigrant, mother, and spouse, without the clutch of my profession (for which I worked so hard for so many years). Looking back, it was an amazing second chance in life. During these seven years I became a different person, I learned a lot about serving others and volunteering. While I was working on my business model, I had the opportunity to listen to Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOM's shoes, speak. I was totally sold. He runs a for-profit business that has a strong story and a philanthropic goal in the core of its structure. That is what I want for my business.”

While it was the business side of photography that enticed Sabina, she had two problems to overcome: “I had no technical skills in photography and I had no clue how to run a business,” she said. “My first step was to sign up for a PPA Studio Management Services class.” She also attended workshops while creating a portfolio and refining her market choices. Currently busy with photographing high school seniors, The Celebration of Smiles event helped Sabina to reconnect with her original passion: photographing children. And the timing couldn’t have been better: Even though she has been planning for the business for a year and building her client base since June of 2011, Sabina’s business officially opened only a month ago. “The Celebration Event was a great opportunity to get the word out,” she explains “A ton of people in my circle of acquaintances still did not know I had officially opened my full-time studio.”

Coming Together as Competitors

“I’m very excited for Sabina,” says Cristiane, “and even though we are semi-competition, we try to be respectful and very considerate of each other. Competition is everywhere so why not embrace it! We also figured that since we are both pretty new in this city, it would be a great way to make the event a bigger success.

And so it was that Sabina Cavalli and Cristiane Laird, who started life in Brazil and traveled by different routes toward a destination they had in common, then found themselves joined in a charitable cause to help others through their new-found careers. In the process, they became an inspiration and a “first” to be remembered.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM CRISTIANE’S and SABINA’S
CELEBRATION OF SMILES EXPERIENCE

From Cristiane:
By doing our event earlier in the month, we didn't have a lot of time to plan and organize the way that we would like. For next year, I want to get some sponsors so we can create nice goodie bags for the children that participate; maybe create a “mini-fair,” where a few vendors could participate and make it really fun for the children. It would be great if we could help the children acknowledge what they are doing for the charity. It made us feel really good to use our photography skills to make a positive impact on children's lives.

From Sabina:
Next time, we'll make every effort for the kids we are photographing to understand why they are donating and posing for the portrait. To raise awareness is as important as to raise the money. And by educating the kids, we are preparing this future generation to be more aware of needs of others they don't know exist.

Other tips:

We were able to reserve my subdivision’s club for the promotion, but I learned that if I had reserved it earlier I could have taken advantage of their internal promotional opportunities.

Watching the videos was very helpful. It was great to see how more experienced professionals deal with their clients and how they would present the event.
The advice to “keep it simple” is one that participants really need to take to heart. There is no time to change backgrounds or use too many props.
We decided on four different backgrounds set up so we could use one or the other by just moving the lights between sessions. We had a grey, a black, a pattern and a dark pink to choose from depending on what the client was wearing. We selected a couple of hair accessories and flowers for the girls, two colored chairs, and that was it. It worked well.
Working with another photographer in the room was actually very fun. And for the people waiting, it was pure entertainment because they could watch two people pose and see us interact with the subjects. It was busy, noisy, and fast.
The marketing material was very useful too. It helped to keep the campaign consistent from start to finish. I’ve been thinking of a way to incorporate a "frame" with the date and the PPA-Celebration logo with the finished gift print. Maybe a folded card with a die-cut front? The picture could be inserted inside and can be removed. The card, when closed, could work as the “frame.”

Cristiane’s and Sabina’s final thought: “We can’t wait until next year!

Countdown Begins for “Celebration of Smiles” April 21, 2012 Campaign

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-03-17T18:42:46-04:00

Over 250 studios have registered for PPA’s new Charitable Promotion, and the 1st Countdown Email has gone out. You can see the participating studios listed on the www.CelebrationofSmiles.com consumer website, and there is still time to sign up!

As studios are starting to get into high gear, they are asking questions and sharing ideas on the promotion’s page. Here’s a great example of an idea generated there: Idaho photographer Cindy Sherman asked to use the Celebration of Smiles eNewsletter header as a banner, and Marathon’s design department responded by creating and donating a template, so that participating studios can insert their own images. Here’s how Cindy’s page looks:

The template is designed so that you can even edit text: Change the date if you intend to offer the promotion on a day other than April 21. In the banner shown below, you can see how the text was altered by Persnickety Pet Portraits to reflect the focus of their promotion.

If you are a registered Celebrations of Smiles 2012 participant, you are licensed to download the banner template by clicking here.

Learn More About "Celebration of Smiles"

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-02-11T09:10:50-05:00

With signups nearing the 150 mark, we’re off to a good start with “Celebration of Smiles” signups! If you haven’t heard about this new nationwide charitable marketing promotion sponsored by PPA Charities, in association with Marathon Press, then take a loot at this 12-minute video, the first in a series being produced by the PPA Charities Trustees. You’ll learn that this April 21 event is a great way attract new and existing clients, create valuable partnerships with local businesses or professionals, and ultimately to raise the profile of your business in the community.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CELEBRATION OF SMILES AND TO REGISTER Go here

In Memoriam: Jon Smith 9/9/54 - 1/31/12

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-02-06T09:21:27-05:00

The PPA Charities family is mourning the loss of a wonderful friend, Jon R. Smith, of Moore, Oklahoma. Jon passed a way suddenly on January 31.

Typical of Jon’s willingness to help others was evident at Imaging USA in New Orleans, when he was the first volunteer to arrive to help set up for the PPACH Celebration Gala on Saturday, January 14, and he was the last to leave, once everything was packed up and moved out.

His friend (and PPACH Trustee) Randy Taylor said this about Jon, in forwarding the sad new about his passing: “Not many knew that Jon came to San Antonio and New Orleans to help with the Charity Event. He stayed for one day of trade show and went home after. He really enjoyed helping with our cause. He also worked with special kids at several Christmas events and always donated his time. He was the editor for the Oklahoma Professional Photographers and was serving as convention manager for the current year. He also served on our Affiliate School board and was responsible for the website and publication. Some people walk quietly and leave a huge foot print. He was one of those people.”

After hearing about his untimely death, Richard Sturdevant created the painting of a photograph by Ted Lane, shown here, for the family. Thanks to Richard and Ted, for allowing us to reproduce this beautiful tribute to Jon.

PPA Charities is receiving donations for a memorial gift in Jon’s name to benefit Operation Smile. To donate, go to this link. Type in Jon’s name when you update your donation total. Jon’s widow, Debbie Smith, can be reached at 405 N. Butler, Moore, OK 73160.

Jon’s obituary appears below:

Sept 9, 1954 - Jan 31, 2012 MOORE Jon R. Smith, 57, of Moore, OK, went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2012. He was born in Pawhuska, OK on September 9, 1954, to Walter & Clara Smith. Jon graduated from Moore High School in 1973. He attended the First Baptist Church of Moore. He was a professional photographer and was the editor of the Professional Photographers of Oklahoma. Jon is survived by his wife of 25 years, Deborah Smith; mother, Clara Smith; sister, Belinda Patrick and husband Larry; and nephew, Dennis Patrick. He was preceded by his father, Walter Smith. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, February 6, 2012, at the First Baptist Church of Moore. Interment will follow at Moore City Cemetery, Moore, OK. Services are under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home, Moore, OK.

The Good Times Rolled at Imaging USA!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-01-23T19:27:53-05:00

The good times definitely rolled in New Orleans at the January 14 PPA Charities Celebration Gala at PPA's ImagingUSA national convention, which included fun, food, raffles and a host of auction items. It took a team of high-energy volunteers to make the Celebration such a success. They set up the room; handled check-in and check-out; provided photo-booth photography; sold beaded heart necklaces, raffle tickets and t-shirts. Plus they served as silent-auction table captains and Spotlight Item assistants. In short, the Celebration Gala happened because of wonderful volunteers headed by Trustees Britney Fulgraff and Randy Taylor, assisted by retiring Trustee Cindy Romaguera, who will be sorely missed!

The evening’s very special guest was Dr. Bill Magee (left), who, together with his wife, Kathy, founded Operation Smile. Dr. Magee was accompanied by his sister-in-law, Beth Marshall, (second from right), who is well-known to attendees of PPACH Celebrations, and who serves as director of Operation Smile's Southeast Region and Senior Executive Advisor for Latin America. Beth’s sister, Kathy, was attending an Operation Smile fundraiser in Dallas. Also shown are PPA members who have played significant roles in PPA’s support of Operation Smile. They include (top row from left): Bert Behnke, founder and Executive Director of PPA Charities; Doug Peninger, who along with Rick Gibbons (far right) brought Operation Smile to the attention of PPA Charities; Laurie Weaver (second from left), the most recent PPA member to document an Operation Smile mission; and at center, Angie and Matt Weedon, who were honored with the PPA Charities Legacy Award for their outstanding philanthropic efforts on behalf of Operation Smile. The Weedon’s personal and studio donations since 2005 total an astounding $44,000!

The evening's high point was an address by Dr. Magee, who expressed appreciation to PPACH and PPA photographers for their continued support of Operation Smile, and the presentation by PPACH trustees and PPA President Don Dickson of a check for $100,000 to Dr. Magee and Beth Marshall. In thanking PPA members for this donation, Beth pointed out that this $100,000 donation brings PPA’s total donations to Operation Smile to $500,000! The importance of this milestone, she added, is that this amount translates to 2,000 children who have been helped through the generosity of PPA photographers.

Special thanks go to WHCC and SuccessWare for their sponsorship of the Celebration Gala; to booth photographer Jamie Hayes and event photographer Peter Horn; and to Wild Sorbet Frame Company for supplying the frames used by PPA at the Gala and IUSA trade show. Most of all . . . thanks to the hundreds of PPA members who turned out for the fun, fellowship and festivities in support of PPA Charities and Operation Smile!

Operation Smile Featured in “A Cure to War . . . six degrees of humanity ”

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-02-03T17:40:00-05:00

Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?
—Abraham Lincoln

During Dr. Bill Magee’s appearance at Imaging USA in New Orleans, he referred briefly to Operation Smile's role in helping to repatriate the remains of U.S. POWs from Vietnam. Last fall this remarkable story was recounted in a 30-minute film, narrated by Craig T. Nelson, of “Coach” fame. It portrays the drama of the unlikely behind-the-scenes story that led up to Operation Smile’s 1989 mission to Vietnam and how it softened the hearts of former enemies and ultimately led to the normalization of between the U.S. and Vietnam. Here’s a summary of the film:

A Cure to War” uniquely weaves the stories of seven individuals, whose independent efforts would help to rebuild relations between Vietnam and the United States, recover the remains of soldiers lost in the Vietnam War, and bring smiles to tens of thousands of Vietnamese children and their families by providing access to free surgical healthcare.

In 1989, President Ronald Reagan and General John Vessey sent the largest group of Americans into Vietnam since the fall of Saigon in 1975. They weren’t soldiers, but surgeons. An Operation Smile team of 38 medical professionals – including seven Vietnam War combat veterans – were part of a MIA/POW initiative to return the remains of soldiers lost during the Vietnam War. During the medical mission, they worked with Vietnamese surgeons to provide free reconstructive surgery for more than 100 Vietnamese children who suffered from clefts.

Bridging stories from both present-day Vietnam and historical accounts leading up to Operation Smile’s historic 1989 medical mission, “A Cure to War” reveals the emotional and political roller coaster of how a children's charity and its medical volunteers opened the doors to normalization when so many other efforts had failed.

Since that first 1989 mission, when surgical teams were limited to operating only when electricity was available for 2 hours per day, Operation Smile has touched the lives of 30,000 children in Vietnam. If you watch the film, you'll see young Duy, the child whom PPA member Graham Wilson photographed on his mission to Vietnam in 2009. Graham's images are posted on the PPA Charities website at this link.

This inspiring film reminds us, as narrator Craig T. Nelson states: “Today, the simple smile of every child and family helped is a reminder of how the hard work of a small group of people can overcome decades of war and isolation and how a smile can bridge cultures and make friends of former enemies.” It also provides one more reason why PPA Photographers can be proud of their support of Operation Smile.

You can view the film at www.acuretowar.com.

China Operation Smile Video Features "Fix You"

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-02-02T17:09:33-05:00

At the January 15 “Power of Charity” platform program at Imaging USA in New Orleans, Dr. Bill Magee, cofounder of Operation Smile, played one of his favorite Operation Smile videos, which includes a Coldplay track “Fix You,” approved by the artists for use in Operation Smile’s global fundraising campaign. It’s a perfect background for featuring the mission and miracles performed by Operation Smile volunteers.

Get Ready to Bid On Fabulous Auction Items At the January 14 Imaging USA PPA Charities Celebration Gala and Auction in New Orleans!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-01-01T13:30:39-05:00

Do You Know That You Can Pre-Bid on “Spotlight” Auction Packages?

For 2012 the PPA Charities Celebration Gala and Auction will be bigger and better than ever! And this year, you have the opportunity to review and place pre-auction bids on eight of the larger auction “Spotlight Packages.” These packages range from personal one-on-one education from industry leaders and education providers to breathtaking art pieces and a 7-day dream vacation at a private villa in Cabo San José, Mexico. To view these exciting Spotlight Auction Packages, go here

About a Truly PRICELESS Auction Item . . .

When PPA member Laurie Weaver (shown above) journeyed to Ethiopia last May to record an Operation Smile mission, she carried with her a set of waxes that allowed her to capture fingerprints of some of the children being treated by Operation Smile. From these waxes Greg Jensen, husband of former PPA Board member Carol Andrews Jensen, cast two original sterling silver charms that he fashioned into two sterling key rings. One of these key rings will be presented by the PPACH Trustees to Dr. William Magee, co-founder of Operation Smile; the other will be part of the silent auction thanks to a donation by Greg Jensen Originals. According to Carol, the charms represent the healing made possible through the generosity of PPA members. “These simple symbols,” she says, “artfully personify a touch of gratitude from the children and their families whose lives have been healed.”

The spirit in this small fingerprint is a beautiful reminder of the spirit that illuminates all of the auction items being donated to help create more real-life surgical miracles like the one shown below in the before and after images captured by Laurie Weaver during the Ethiopia mission. You can see more of Laurie’s images and read her mission trip narrative at this link. Be on hand when bidding starts at 9:00 sharp on January 14!

Other Silent Auction Items: Workshops, Equipment, Software, Mentoring, and More!

Adobe - Lightroom ($299)
Artsy Couture - $150 Gift Certificate
Audubon Nature Institute - 8 passes to visit Audubon Zoo or Audubon Aquarium of the Americas or Audubon Insectarium ($160)
Backgrounds by Maheu - Scenic Painted Background ($650)
Belvedere Studio - 3-Part Quick Posing System ($249)
Chimera - OCTA 2 Strobist Kit
Colleen and Company - 2-SYNC registrations to the same bidder: one for 2012 and one for 2013 ($800) 70x90 background ($175)
Jim Cunningham - 2-Painter CDs
Dahle trimmer Pro Rolling Trimmer ($269) / Personal Trimmer ($79)
Design Revolutions - Photo Box Template Package / Photoshop Templates and Overlays / Newborn Album ($250)
Drive Savers - Bundle containing Hard Drive Clock, $500 Gift Certificate for Data Recovery Services, Flashlight, Pens, Stressball, Lunch Cooler ($700)
GW Moulding - 3 $100 Gift Certificates
Kotori Photo Jewlrey - Gift Certificate for Lori Nordstrom Leather Cuff and Vintage Brass Necklace ($65)
Layer Cake Elements - 2 Set of Layer Elements ($400)
Marathon - Marketing & Design Workshop ($249)
Marathon - Make Money Now! Workshop ($249)
Millers Professional Imaging - 19x23 Fine Art Package Acrylic / 19x23 Metal / Mural up to 36x48 ($640)
Nation’s Photo Lab - Photo Lux Keychain Starter Pack ($349)
Neil Enterprises - Photlux Keychain Starter Pack with 50 Silver Keychains, 50 Bottle Opener Keychains, 50 Leather Key Fobs, 1- Hand Held Punch
New Orleans Museum of Art - 1 year membership ($60)
New Orleans Zephyrs - 10 Reserved Seat Tickets to Zephyrs Baseball Game ($100)
Peyton Manning's Pey Back Foundation - Autographed 8x10 of Payton Manning
Photo DUDS - Tool Kit Bundle ($625)
Photopantz - One pair of women’s size 4-18 summer (lightweight) Photopantz, including complimentary hemming and featuring 5 discrete pockets for cell phone, business cards, CF cards and more ($149.99)
Radio Popper - $500.00 gift certificate for Popers
Shoot Proof - 1 Year of Online Photo Proofing ($600)
Special Kids Photography of America - Special Kids Photography Accreditation Training ($199)
Tamrac - Rolling Photo/Computer Case / Zip Shot Mini-Ultra Light Tripod / Zuma 7 iPad/Camera Backpack / Evolution 9 Backpack
Tri-Coast - Book and DVD ($230)
Richmond Professional Lab - 16x20 Gallery Wrap ($100)
Topaz Labs - 3 full Topaz packages ($299 each)
Virtual Background - 5-books, 2-reflectors
Wacom Intuos 4 (Small Tablet)w/travel case ($250)
WHCC - Album / Gallery Wrap
Wild Sorbet - $150 gift certificate

More items being added daily!

Don’t Forget: To Review and Pre-Bid on Eight Spectacular Auction Spotlight Packages, go here

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Don't Miss Any of the PPA Charities Events at IUSA in New Orleans!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2012-01-01T13:00:37-05:00

Now You Can Pre-bid on
PPA Charities’ January 14 Celebration Gala Auction Spotlight Packages!
Bidding Opens January 5!

Starting on January 5 you can actually place a pre-bid on this website for the fabulous "Spotlight Packages" being offered at the PPACH Celebration Gala and Auction in New Orleans on January 14. This will give you the opportunity to evaluate these outstanding opportunities. Spotlight packages range from personal one-on-one education from industry leaders to a 7-day dream vacation at a private villa in Cabo San José, Mexico. To view these exciting Spotlight Auction Packages, click here.

Don't Miss the PPA Charities Celebration Gala & Auction on January 14 At IUSA New Orleans! Doors Open at 8:00 P.M.

10-Day 11.11.11 Campaign Nets $7754 for for the Children of Operation Smile!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-11-15T15:52:56-05:00

Thanks to all of those donors who responded to PPA Charities’ 10-day campaign to celebrate 11-11-11 by donating to support Operation Smile. This special date, which occurred on Veteran’s Day this year, will not happen again for another 100 years. PPA members and vendors responded by donating various amounts, most using a 11-11-11 denomination. Of the 88 individuals and businesses that participated, three donors gave $1,111.11; thirty others contributed $111.11; and the remaining donations came in as lesser amounts — most of them as $11.11 contributions or multiples of that amount. Some donations were made to honor veterans while others recognized loved ones, friends or businesses. “To all who donated,” said PPA Charities President Mary Fisk-Taylor, “you helped to prove how much photographers care for others. We thank you for your generosity.” The following individuals and businesses supported the 11.11.11 campaign:

Anita - honoring John E. Sime
Irene Abdou
Sue Altman
Jessica Arnest
Dee Barnes - honoring Cindy Romaguera
Holly Baumann
Robert Behm
Bert Behnke - honoring Kim Robel
Bert Behnke
Anthony Bridges
Angela Carson
Rose Mary Cheek
Janet Ciummei
Lori Craft
HoneyDeLapa - honoring Wayne
Amy Delph - honoring Mary Grace Delph
Don Dickson
Linda Durham
Ann Dyer
Kathleen Dylan
Todd Ellis - honoring Angela Weedon Photography
Robert Faust
Mary Fisk-Taylor
Virginia Freire
Sharon Gaietto
Tony Gallegly
Danielle George - honoring BWC
Rick Gibbons
Harvey Goldstein
Colleen Gonsar
Susan Goralski
Tammy Griffin
Bonnie Hamilton
Jane Hankins
Donna Johnson
Karen Jonas
Bruce Kirby
Melinda Kolker - honoring Harold T. Rose
Lori Konshuk
Hetty Joy Kramer
Ann Landry
Larry Leone
Bod Lloyd
Heather Lussier
The Marathon Family
Marie Martineau
Richard McGee
Suzi McGehee
Randy McNeilly
Alison Miniter
Daniel Mitchell
Ann Monteith - honoring M/Gen. Bruce E. Kendall
Carol Nichols
K. Norwood
Lisa Pacelli
Doug Peninger
Jeffrey Phillips
Pamela Reiss
Pete Rezac
Cindy Romaguera
Karen Rubin
Frank Salas
Lauren Sanderson
Jordan Scheiner
Michelle Shackelford
Millie Shaw
Christy Smith
David Smith
Karen Sturgeon
Tina Timmons
Michael Timmons
Jesse Valley
John Warters
Laurie Weaver
Christopher Whipple
Connie White
Kathy Wierda
Helen Yancy
Carey Zarate
Atticus 13 - honoring Jed & Vicki Taufer
imDigital
Real Life Events
Johnston Photography
Hanna Skye Photography
Photographs by Laraine
TAG Enterprises Jim Gibbs
Sorrells Signature Portraits
Murray's
Jewel Arts

A Message to PPA Members from Operation Smile's Co-Founder, Dr. William P. Magee, Jr.

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-11-10T09:50:27-05:00

Note: The PPA Charities Trustees received this email from Dr. Magee in response to a new PPACH fundraising project that will benefit Operation Smile; The first nationwide "Celebration of Smiles" promotion will take place on April 21, 2012, and you will be hearing much more about it soon. Dr. Magee will be on hand for the official announcement during the Imaging USA January 15, 9:00 A.M. program on charitable marketing, "The Power of Charity," also featuring Beverly Walden, Sarah Petty, and Mary Fisk-Taylor. He also will attend the PPA Charities Celebration gala on January 14, from 8:00 - 11:00 P.M. Don't miss either opportunity to spend time with this extraordinary humanitarian.

Sorry for the delayed response. I am in Asia right now and have not had good access to my email. I love what you are doing, and will send this off to Kristie Porcaro who is head of our Development and to Kyla Shawyer who heads our Marketing. They will know the best route to help you.

On this trip we were in the Philippines as we begin to help with the celebration of our birth there almost 30 years ago. Kath and I had the opportunity to be interviewed on a TV morning talk show, ABS - CBN, to share our message with the Filipino Community. As we left for the airport, they asked us to meet a 9 year old boy with a Cleft Lip and Palate brought to the studio by his Mom and Grandmother. He has never been to school. They live in Manila and yet they never knew that their child could be helped until recently.

Although we have watched this same story unfold over and over again, it never ceases to amaze me that this scenario still exists even in the major cities of the countries where Operation Smile has a presence.

With the help of our staff and volunteers in Manila, we immediately organised for the family to be helped at the "Makati" mission which will take place in a few weeks. That simple moment of kindness took all of about 5 minutes. Yet if Operation Smile Philippines didn't exist that "magic" moment could not have happened. We left that child, his mom and grandmother all in tears as they tried to thank us and as usual tears filled all of our eyes as well.

I am often asked why do we continue to push ourselves now 30 years later. At times it is difficult to put into words. However, probably the easiest way to explain it still brings me back to chance encounters such as the one that we had just a few mornings ago. That is what keeps our drive and passion alive.

However it is also the opportunity to work with organizations such as yours. Organizations who are willing to stand side by side with us as we plan the future. That is what gives us the courage to be confident that we will be able to keep the promises we have made to these families. The promise that we will do our best to be "present" for them.

Kathy and I thank you again for all that the PPA Charities has done and continues to do.

All the Best,

Bill

Wiliam P. Magee Jr., DDS, MD,

IUSA to Spotlight Charitable Marketing Program

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-10-19T11:45:21-04:00

When PPA’s Imaging USA national convention is held in New Orleans on January 15-17, attendees will learn what some of the top-earning studios in the nation already know: Charitable Marketing is one of the best ways for all photographers — from rookies to veterans — to connect with the kind of consumers who are willing to spend disposable income on photography. So mark your calendar NOW for this can't-miss program:

The Power of Charity - Sunday, January 15 — 9:00 - 10:30 A.M.

What You’ll Learn . . .

The program will include the following speakers who will explain how charitable marketing is a key strategy for keeping their businesses in the public eye and for driving qualified consumers to their door:

Sarah Petty enjoys a worldwide audience of boutique studio owners whom she helps to grow their small businesses through her keen insights and enthusiasm for marketing. A highly acclaimed speaker, author, MBA and coach who has literally inspired thousands of photographers, Sarah will show you how to generate publicity through charitable marketing. She’ll discuss how to build your brand and have your market fall in love with you while also helping your favorite charity. Her expertise is based on over 20 years helping build the Coca-Cola brand, meeting the marketing goals of a top regional advertising agency's clients, and building her own successful boutique photography studio into one of the most profitable in the country within just five years in business.

Beverly Walden is known internationally for both her photographic artistry and her sales and marketing expertise. She explains how charitable marketing fits into the high-end studio: “The Mission of Walden’s Photography is ‘to leave others better than we found them.’ What we have discovered is that we are changed for the better as well.” Beverly will explain how their work on behalf of Daniel’s Care, the pediatric division of Hospice of the Bluegrass helps to fulfill their mission by providing portraits of critically ill children and raising money for the indigent fund, which helps with medicines, supplies, gifts, car seats or whatever these families need that insurance doesn’t cover.

Mary Fisk-Taylor owns and operates two busy and successful studios in Richmond, Virginia. As President of PPA Charities and a proud wife and mother, her days are consumed with sessions, consultations, carpools and homework, but she still makes time for charitable marketing. Mary will discuss some quick and fun ways to create year-round charitable marketing promotions in your very own studio. These great tips are designed to keep sessions on the books, orders in house, and a great resource to fund their charity savings account. Mary and her team make it a goal each year to save as many smiles through PPA Charities and Operation Smile as they can, this year they are well on track to impact the lives of more children, all through the art of charitable marketing.

What You’ll Hear . . .

Former PPA President Ann Monteith will introduce a new nationwide charitable marketing promotion "Celebration of Smiles," set for April 21, 2012, which is available to all PPA members. Be among the first to sign up for this vibrant charitable marketing event that is designed to:

Gain the personal satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have taken a leadership position in your industry by standing together with like-minded professionals who have made the world a better place through their art.
Establish your business as one that chooses to benefit a very appealing charity. Many well-qualified consumers prefer to do business with those who care about others, especially children.
Attract new clients and encourage repeat business from existing clients.

Why You Will Be Inspired . . .

PPA is honored that Wiliam P. Magee Jr., DDS, MD, humanitarian and co-founder of Operation Smile, will be on hand to explain the impact photographers have made on the lives of children served by Operation Smile, the charitable partner of PPA Charities. Dr Magee is a leading plastic and craniofacial surgeon who founded Operation Smile in 1982 with his wife, Kathleen S. Magee, and serves as the organization’s Executive Chairman. In 2005, PPA Charities named Operation Smile as its charitable partner, noting that the organization is a perfect fit for photographers, whose daily business is creating smiles for their clients: Operation Smile's mission is repairing childhood facial deformities including cleft lips and cleft palates through its network of global volunteers. To date, Operation Smile has treated more than 160,000 children worldwide and currently has programs in more than 50 partner countries, and Dr. Magee himself has trained thousands of physicians worldwide. A featured guest on many network television programs, Dr. Magee is also a keynote speaker at many corporate and national meetings.

Dr. Magee received the D.D.S. degree from the University of Maryland; the M.D. degree from George Washington University Medical School; served his general surgery residency at the University of Virginia Medical School; and received his plastic surgery training in Norfolk, Virginia. Awarded the Hays-Fulbright Scholar Grant from the Franco-American Commission, he studied in France with Dr. Paul Tessier, the father of craniofacial surgery. He has been published in numerous medical journals and medical texts and was honored by the American Medical Association and the American Plastic Surgery Society. Dr. Magee has received honorary doctorates from six universities; the American Medical Association honored him with its 2000 Pride in the Profession Award; and he received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Magee maintains a private practice in Norfolk and is Co-Director of The Institute for Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery in the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. He is an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the Eastern Virginia Medical School.

In 2007, UNICEF presented the Magees with a special recognition on behalf of Operation Smile.

Cindy Crofford Saves Smiles in October.

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-10-10T15:50:00-04:00

Dallas photographer Cindy Crofford used the two 6x9 direct mail marketing cards shown below to help attract family clients during October, offering to donate half of the studio’s session fee to Operation Smile. To further call attention to Operation Smile as the beneficiary of the promotion, Cindy cleverly used two appealing quotes about the value of smiles. Thanks, Cindy!

Halloween Portraits Benefit Operation Smile!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-10-18T13:58:52-04:00

See how Prescott, Arizona, photographer Erin Davidson is using to raise funds for Operation Smile by offering Halloween mini-sessions to her Virgo Photography Studio clients. Thanks Erin!

Florida PPA Supports PPACH Activities

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-09-25T16:45:00-04:00

Thanks to the leadership of the Florida Professional Photographers Association, who generously provided booth space for PPACharities at their August convention in Orlando. Thanks also to PPA Charities Trustee Britney Fullgraf, who organized the booth and to her son, Simon, shown above, who manned it while mom was attending meetings. If your affiliate wishes to help PPA Charities fund-raising efforts, please contact Bert Behnke, Executive Director, PPA Charities at (708) 267-0657 or bbehnke@ppa.com.

Kids Contest Raises Funds for Operation Smile

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-10-17T12:54:54-04:00

When Meggan Harper and Savannah Kaszas of Meggan Harper Photography donated to become Operation Smile Studio supporters, they immediately conducted their first fund-raising event! They sold 20 mini-sessions and a complimentary 5x7 for $25, with the fee going to support Operation Smile. As you can see from their promotional materials shown below, they conducted the contest via in cooperation with a local parent publication, which is featuring the winning vote-getter on the October cover.

And the winner was . . . Rainey . . .

. . . and all the parents who got such charming portraits of their children, and, of course, the children of Operation Smile who will benefit from the $500 donation made possible by Meggan Harper Photography!

Partnering to Promote Family Portrait Month

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-10-17T11:38:19-04:00

Chicago-area photographers John Burdick and Jeff Lee created these eye-catching 5.5 x 8.5 PressPrint cards to serve as display handouts at dentist’s offices. Card copy explains the studio’s offer to donate half of its $99 session fee to benefit Operation Smile.

Burdick & Lee also created this table-top display for the cards so that they could attract attention but not take up too much space on dental office counters. The top part of the display consists of an 8x10 mounted on foam core and then mounted to a magazine display holder from Office Depot. According to John, they will consider mailing a similar card to theor client list as well for next year’s promotion.

PPA Charities 2010 Campaigns Net $100,000!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-01-26T13:09:00-05:00

For the second straight year, annual donations to PPA Charities from members and friends have allowed PPA Charities Trustees to allocate a gift of $100,000 to its charitable partner, Operation Smile. The contribution was presented at the PPA Charities Celebration gala on January 15, in San Antonio.

It takes only $240 to repair the smile of a child because the medical professionals and staff who provide these life-changing operations volunteer their services to Operation Smile. To date, PPA Charities has raised a total of $350,000 for Operation Smile. That translates into nearly 1500 smiles that have been saved through the generosity of PPA members and friends.

"Chicks" Enjoy Another Hot Time in Scottsdale

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-08-09T13:04:59-04:00

Over 100 registrants joined sponsors, vendors, and presenters in Scottsdale, Arizona, in June for the second “Chicks Who Click” Conference sponsored by PPA Charities. Once again the conference received rave reviews for the venue, activities, and education. PPACH President Mary Fisk-Taylor expressed her gratitude for the great team effort displayed by the volunteers, trustees, speakers and vendors who made the conference such a great success.

Because Chicks Who Click is held to benefit Operation Smile, the charitable partner of PPA Charities, one of the event’s most important presentations was made by Laurie Weaver, who recounted the wonderfully meaningful experience she had while documenting an Operation Smile mission to Ethiopia this year. Watch this blog for more information on Laurie’s trip.

To get a really good look at the fun, food, fellowship, and education that took place in Scottsdale, view the video below. Thanks to Jamie Hayes for his great photography!

Texas School Classes Make a Difference for Operation Smile!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-08-09T10:08:11-04:00

For the third straight year generous students, instructors, and directors of the Texas School have elective to support Operations Smile, the charitable partner of PPA Charities. Starting with a fantastic donation of $4,500 from the Texas School itself, headed by Don Dixon, who also serves as PPA president, instructors and students challenge each other to give as much as they can to help Operation Smile carry out its important work around the world. Altogether, the Texas School donation for the 2011 totals $21,069!

Because Operation Smile medical and support personnel donate their time, it costs only $240 to provide the gift of life-changing surgery to a deserving child. When adding this year’s Texas School donation to those of the previous two years, this means that Texas School students, instructors, and trustees have donated a total of $62,069 to Operation Smile and therefore are responsible for saving well over 250 precious smiles!

Special thanks goes to the following “Leadership Classes” that donated $1,000 or more. These classes were instructed by:
Mary Fisk-Taylor and Jamie Hayes - $1,110 Sam Puc’ $1,000

Tim & Beverly Walden - $1,120 And a big round of applause to David Ziser’s
class, which raised the winning total $2,045!

Bald is Beautiful!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2008-06-10T15:57:28-04:00

Nothing motivates people like a challenge. In October 2007, PPA Charities Trustee David Grupa and his good friend David Jones were presenting a program to the Twin Cities Professional Nothing motivates people like a challenge. In October 2007, PPA Charities Trustee David Grupa and his good friend David Jones were presenting a program to the Twin Cities Professional Photographers of America (TCPPA). After asking the audience to support PPA Charities, he blurted out this challenge: "If you can put $500 on the table before the end of the night, I will let you shave my head at the next meeting!"

Dave left the meeting with his hair intact, but TCPPA President Mark Kiefer called a few days later, asking "How serious were you about the offer to shave your head?" They chatted about ways to raise money and came up with an idea: Since there are no entry fees on the TCPPA level, members entering the November print competition were challenged to donate $25 per case to PPA Charities. At that rate, 30 cases would bring $750. If that goal was reached, Dave's previous offer would stand.

The TCPPA membership came through in a huge way, generously raising $2,200 in donations. The association itself added another $1,000 to the total and presented Dave Grupa with a check for $3,200 on the evening of the holiday party. To top it off, another $300 was generated the evening of the party by those who wanted their turn with the clippers!

At the conclusion of the evening, Dave left the event with a bald head, a huge smile, and over $3,500 raised for PPA Charities. But that was not the end of the story: An additional $1,300 came from private donations, including Rotary and monies that Dave and other member studios raised during the year.

At the 2008 PPA Charities Celebration at Imaging USA, Dave and TCPPA representatives Mark Kiefer and Amy Zellmer (shown with Dave at left) presented a $4,800 check to PPA Charities President Mary Fisk-Taylor and PPA Charities Executive Director Bert Behnke.
The TCPPA membership came through in a huge way, generously raising $2,200 in donations. The association itself added another $1,000 to the total and presented Dave Grupa with a check for $3,200 on the evening of the holiday party. To top it off, another $300 was generated the evening of the party by those who wanted their turn with the clippers!

At the conclusion of the evening, Dave left the event with a bald head, a huge smile, and over $3,500 raised for PPA Charities. But that was not the end of the story: An additional $1,300 came from private donations, including Rotary and monies that Dave and other member studios raised during the year.

At the 2008 PPA Charities Celebration at Imaging USA, Dave and TCPPA representatives Mark Kiefer and Amy Zellmer (shown with Dave at left) presented a $4,800 check to PPA Charities President Mary Fisk-Taylor and PPA

Twin Cities PPA Shows Members' Support of PPA Charities

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-03-18T17:57:25-04:00

The Twin Cities PPA once again showed their support for Operation Smile at the January IUSA Celebration event, with their presented a check for over $9,000 to Beth Marshall, director of Operation Smile's Southeast Region and Senior Executive Advisor for Latin America, third from right. Shown with Marshall is, from left, PPACH President Mary Fisk-Taylor, TCPPA President Taylor Hubbard, PPA Charities Honorary Trustee Rod Oman, PPACH Executive Director Bert Behnke, and PPACH Trustee David Grupa.

Matt & Angela Weedon Are 2010 Top Individual Contributors; WHCC Leads Corporate Donors

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-03-20T20:28:36-04:00

For the second consecutive year, Dallas-area studio owners Matt and Angie Weedon were the top individual donors to PPA Charities with a total contribution of $9,600. In addition to providing support and sponsorship for other PPA Charities activities in 2010, a contribution of $10,000 made White House Custom Colour the year’s top corporate donor. View the entire 2010 donor list by clicking here.

Angie and Matt Weedon are owners of Angela Weedon Photography in Garland, Texas, and Angie recently concluded her service as a member of the Board of Trustees of PPA Charities. In four of the past six years, Angie and Matt have topped all individual donations to Operation Smile. Their total contributions during that period is an astonishing $37,500! Most of these funds were raised through studio activities, including the sale of “Smile Cards.” You can read more about the Weedon’s success in fundraising by clicking here. Visit their website by clicking here.

Thank you Matt and Angie and WHCC!!

PPACH President Mary Fisk-Taylor Receives PPA Charities Legacy Award

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-03-14T21:41:40-04:00

During the Awards Ceremony at PPA’s ImagingUSA, PPA Charities President Mary Fisk-Taylor received The PPA Charities Legacy Award, which recognizes “outstanding service and commitment to PPA Charities and philanthropic endeavors.” The award was presented by PPA Charities Executive Director Bert Behnke, himself a winner of the Legacy Award. Mary has served as PPACH president since 2005.

2011 PPA Charities Celebration Gets Imaging USA Started With A Bang!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-01-25T10:50:49-05:00

January’s 2011 PPA Charities Celebration at PPA's ImagingUSA national convention in San Antonio was just that: a Celebration of the fun and fund-raising successes of PPA Charities during 2010. Eager participants broke the Nashville record of 500 with a full house of between 700 and 800 PPA members, which helped boost the evening’s fund-raising profits to $26,000! The fund-raising events included raffles, over 80 silent auction items and an exciting live auction.

This year the Celebration was co-sponsored by Texas School, and one of the auction items that created the most excitement was the Texas School Instructor “Goodie Basket.” The 35 instructors for the May 1-5 edition of Texas School donated the raffle items to benefit PPACH and Operation Smile. The basket included instructional DVD’s, CD’s, books and other photography-related items worth over $11,000. Twenty dollar tickets were sold throughout the evening and at the IUSA Trade Show. These instructors’ generosity raised $4105! The super-lucky winner was Allison Bordlemay, from Nashville, TN.

It took some 60 high-energy volunteers to make the Celebration such a success. They set up the room; handled check-in and check-out; provided photo-booth photography; sold blinky hearts, raffle tickets, water bottles, kisses, t-shirts and hoodies. Plus they served as silent-auction table captains and live-auction assistants and as rovers to help where it was needed. In short, the Celebration happened because of wonderful volunteers headed by Trustees Cindy Romaguera and Randy Taylor!

Special thanks go to WHCC and SuccessWare for their sponsorship and to auctioneer extraordinaire Louis Tonsmeire. Cheers to photo booth suppliers Denny Manufacturing and Image Spectrum and to booth photographer Jamie Hayes and event photographer Peter Horn. Thanks also to Sam Puc’ who raffled off “A Day With Sam” to lucky winner Stephanie Conrad from Sam’s own home state of Colorado. Since Sam won’t have to fly to Stephanie’s studio, she’s going to treat her to “a mani/pedi session and a few “fun girl things”, too! Most of all . . . thanks to the hundreds of PPA members who turned out for the fun, fellowship and festivities in support of PPA Charities and Operation Smile!

The evening's high point was the presentation of a check for $100,000, which represents funds raised by photographers for PPACH's charitable partner, Operation Smile in 2010, which brings the total raised by PPA members to $350,000. This translates into over 1,450 smiles that have been saved through the generosity of PPA photographers. In the photo below, PPA Charities Trustees and Texas School Board members surround Beth Marshall, director of Operation Smile's Southeast Region and Senior Executive Advisor for Latin America (center left). Beth is the sister of Kathy Magee, cofounder of Operation Smile.

To relive the sights and fun of the 2010 PPACH Celebration, check out the video below:

To make sure you’re a part of the 2012 PPACH Celebration event,
mark your calendar NOW for January 14, 2011.
SEE YOU IN NEW ORLEANS!

PPA Charities Receives $10,000 Jamieson Foundation Gift

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-01-09T23:25:00-05:00

A very large THANK YOU goes out to Jennifer Jamieson of San Francisco on a recent donation of $10,000 to PPA Charities. The donation came from the Jamieson Foundation in San Francisco, founded in 1984 by her grandfather. The family business has been in sand and gravel since 1903, and was prominent in much of the rebuilding of San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake.

Jennifer graduated from Santa Clara University in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and earned her masters degree in business administration from the University of San Francisco. After working as an Enterprise Account Manager at Wyse Technology in San Jose and an Account Manager for Microsoft, Jennifer decided to follow her dream to become a professional photographer, opening her studio in 2009.

“I became excited about PPA Charities after spending time with Britney Fullgraf at the PPA Charities booth in Nashville and attending the Charitable Marketing classes presented by Sandy Puc and Vicki Taufer. I love the integration of the passion of photography and what we do to make people’s lives brighter with our talents. I am excited about our role with Operation Smile and helping those less fortunate and blessed to be a part of such a wonderful experience.”

…and PPA Charities is blessed to have Jennifer Jamieson. Thank you Jennifer for your generosity!

Win Sam Puc' For A Day At YOUR Studio!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-01-10T23:24:00-05:00

Can you imagine how much your business would benefit to have marketing and management guru, Sandy Puc’ spend a day at your studio! It will happen if you are the lucky winner of the “Sam U to You” raffle at the PPA Charities Gala on January 15 at IUSA!

Your best bet to be a total winner is to get to the PPACH Gala on time so that you can buy one of 100 water bottles containing a $25 gift certificate that can be redeemed for good stuff on Sam’s website, www.ukandu.com. That way you’ll get a water bottle to use for the rest of IUSA and be entered into a drawing for a FREE full-day consultation from Sam at YOUR studio. Sam will pay for her own transportation, visit YOUR studio, help you with your marketing – and buy you lunch! It simply couldn’t get any better than that! If the bottles run out, certificates will still be available.

The certificates can be redeemed at Sam’s website, www.ukandu.com, which features a wealth of marketing information. Many of the marketing kits are only $20 so you can apply the difference towards more than one kit. Why buy just one certificate? Why not purchase two or three and stock up on marketing ideas for the New Year?

The Charities Celebration Event will take place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in the Lone Star Ballroom on Level 2, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Hope to see y’all there!!

Simon's Inspiration

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-12-22T11:42:00-05:00

If you want to catch the holiday spirit, take a moment to visit Simon’s Circle, by clicking here.

Simon is the 10-year-old son of Honorary PPACH Trustee for Florida Britney Fullgraf. Simon has already raised over $240 by selling notecards and bookmarks of his own images.

You also can keep up with Simon’s fund-raising activities by networking with him on .

Thank you, Simon, for your support of PPA Charities and Operation Smile . . . but even moreso for being a role model and inspiration to all of us!

Texas School "Bonanza" Goodie Basket Valued at $6,000!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-12-22T23:38:00-05:00

One lucky attendee at the January 15, 20011, PPA Charities Celebration at Imaging USA in San Antonio will win an incredible educational treasure — worth over $8,000 — in the form of instructional products produced by teachers at the 2011 Texas School, which will take place in Dallas on May 1-6, 2011. For the winner, the Bonanza Basket, which will be the featured raffle prize at the PPACH Celebration, will be the next best thing to taking ALL of the fabulous instructors listed below home! Tickets will be sold for only $20 each . . . so get those $20 bills ready!*

Plus: A Texas School Scholarship for 2012 also will be included!

Here’s what the instructors have donated:

Suzette Allen — 10 different CDs of assorted brushes, actions and edges
Ross Benton —

DougBox — 2 Books - Doug Box's Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers and Professional Secrets of Natural Light Portrait Photography
Carl Caylor — Artistic Elements of Portraiture DVD set
Don Chick — Portrait Lighting Using a Large Softbox CD
Jim Cunningham — Painting Portraits DVD
Greg Daniel — Easy Cameo Painting CD, Painting Simplified CD Floating Watercolors, Purpose Driven and Images CDs, $100 Midsouth Gift Certificate
Don Emmerich — Nancy Emmerich's favorite brushes CD and Cameracraftsmen of America 2010 Book
Robert Faust — Job Shadow Robert on an Engagement or Bridal shoot to learn his techniques
Mary Fisk-Taylor — Marketing Kit and Sales Plan Book
Mike Fulton — Guide to TTL Flash Book
Joe Glyda — The Artist's Way book, Rogue Flash Benders
Colleen Gonsar — The Ultimate Senior Marketing Kit and Creating a Lifetime Customer Book
Elizabeth Homan — Senior Posing Guide and Family Posing Guide
Janine Killian — Janine’s Idea Guide DVD and Children Sessions Show
Julianne Kost — Adobe Photoshop Lightroom3
Steve Kozak — The Art of Composition, Bridal Posing Guide and Senior Posing Guide CD's and Quit Using your Camera on Program, Photographing People Outdoors, Fundamentals of Flash Photography and Fundamentals of Studio Lighting DVD's
Scott Robert Lim — Tiny Trigger Set - includes 1 Transmitter and 3 Receivers
Don MacGregor — 2 Scholarships to Image Explorations School - July 10-14, 2011
Dan McDonald — Photoshop 101 DVD
Ann Monteith — Ann’s 2nd edition of The Professional Photographer’s Guide to Marketing Success, published December 2010.
Larry Peters — 2009 Posing Guide CD
Sandy Puc' — Family Tour DVD
Ralph Romaguera — Complete Collection of Educational Tools: School Days Manual, Pricelist Book and Bonus DVD, Sports, Marketing, Art Series, Digital workflow/Show Me the Money CDs
Richard Sturdevant — DVD Set "Stur De Vinci"
Michael Timmons — Photoshop Tutorials CD and Over 300 Backgrounds and Overlays Templates CD
Tim Walden — Studio Lighting, In-Depth & In-Detail
John Wilson — Designer Template CD
David Ziser: Captured by the Light book, Kelby Media - "Live Wedding Shoot" DVD, Kelby Training "Rapid Tips and Tricks" DVD

Sturdevant Masterwork to be Auctioned at January 15 Charities Celebration!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-12-13T19:16:30-05:00

Attendees at the live auction portion of the PPACH Celebration on January 15 at Imaging USA are in for a riveting ride when bidding begins on “The Deadman’s Hand,” Richard Sturdevant’s exceptional artwork, printed by BWC Photo Imaging. With a value set by the artist of $3,500, it’s possible that Celebration attendees will see that figure surpassed, given the accolades that Garland, Texas, photographer Sturdevant has received of late: He has not only engaged an eager following of collectors of his remarkable interpretive images and richly layered composites, he has consistently wowed PPA-approved jurors in national and district competitions. At this year’s Southwest PPA district print judging, all four of his electronic imaging entries received perfect scores of 100. “The Deadman’s Hand” is one of those extraordinary images.

According to an article that appeared in the December 2010 issue of The Professional Photographer magazine, it is believed that no other photographer has ever achieved four perfect scores at a PPA judging. If you haven’t read the article about Richards singular accomplishment, you can find it on page 98 of the current magazine issue. See more images and learn about his multi-faceted business at sturdevantstudio.com.

The beautifully framed canvas is 40 inches wide, and BWC President/CEO Lou George has generously offered to pay for shipping to the home of the lucky winner.

The Charities Celebration begins at 9:00 P.M. on January 15, the eve of Imaging USA, and the live auction will begin soon thereafter.

Don't Miss Out On Fabulous Auction Items at PPA Charities Gala Auction at ImagingUSA in San Antonio on January 15!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2011-01-11T23:54:00-05:00

Join us at the FREE PPA Charities Celebration event at ImagingUSA on January 15, 2011 in San Antonio! Here's the most recent list of items to be auctioned:

LIVE AUCTION: Richard Sturdevant’s “The Deadman’s Hand” 30x40 Framed Canvas
Click here to learn more.

LIVE AUCTION: Spend a Week at Deep Creek Lake!

The high bidder will win a week-long stay at Jim and Ann Monteith's lake house at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, a 4-seasons resort in the mountains of Western Maryland (Garrett County). Offered on May 7-13, 2011, the lake-side home has 5 bedrooms and 5 baths, sleeps 12, and would be perfect for a family vacation, business meeting or for hosting your own workshop.

LIVE AUCTION: Doug Gordon - Package of all Doug Gordon Products - $1700

LIVE AUCTION:

PPA Board Member Carol Andrews and her husband Greg Jensen, of Greg Jensen Originals, have donated a one-of-a-kind sterling silver charm cast from the fingerprint of a child who received the gift of life-changing surgery during an Operation Smile medical mission photographed by PPA Charities Executive Director Bert Behnke. According to Carol the charm represents “the healing gift given through the generosity of PPA Charities participants: This simple symbol artfully personifies a touch of gratitude from the children and their families whose lives have been healed.”

RAFFLE: Sam U to You

The “Sam U to You” raffle will provide you with chances to win a visit to your studio from marketing and management guru Sam Puc.’ To learn more click here.

RAFFLE: Chicks Who Click Conference Registration
June 23 - 26 - Firesky Resort, Phoenix, Arizona

RAFFLE: Texas School “Bonanza Basket”

This amazing treasure trove (worth over $8,000!) contains educational products donated by these 2011 Texas School instructors: Click here to see the entire list of instructors and their donations.

SILENT AUCTION: Bid On Workshops, Equipment, Software, Mentoring and More!
Adobe - Lightroom 3 - $299
After Dark - 4 tuitions - $499 each
American Photographic Resources toy basket (with all APR toys) - $165, plus certificate for 25% off any prop
Animoto - 3-month pass
Animoto - 1-year pass
Asuka Book - $250 Gift Certificate
Backdrop Outlet - Theme Basket - 7 items
Backgrounds by Maheu - 10x20 Fine Art Background
Barbour Background - 6x8 Stratton Backdrop
Beth Forester Photo Duds design package $500
Chromaluxe - 16x20 Metal Photo Float Mount - $250
Collages.net - Album design - $350
Collages.net - $250 printing credit
Collages.net - $150 high-gloss books credit
Collages.net - $150 - card credit
Craig’s Actions - gift certificate - $150
Dahle trimmer 20" and 12"
Digital Anarchy - Plug-ins, Designer Toonit - $654
Drurys - Radio Poppers PX set - $500
Excel Picture Frames
Firesky Resort, Phoenix, for 3 room nights during “Chicks Who Click” conference - June 23-26, 2011
Gina Alexander Bag - $273
Kimbra Studios - Photo Wine Stopper - two charms - $65
Kobota Image Tools - Full Creative Pak - $899
Kodak Film 3-$765.00= $2295
Larson Enterprise - 4-$250 gift cards
Leather Craftsman
Lens Baby $125 gift card
MAC Group - Temba Sling Bag
MAC Group - Temba Messenger Laptop Bag
MAC Group - Temba Messenger Camer Bag
Marathon Marketing & Design Workshop
Marathon Make Money Now! Workshop
Mid-South Color Labs - Back-lit 24x36 print
Millers Professional Lab - Album $750
New England Institute of Professional Photography - Gift Certificate for a week-long course at the 50th anniversary of the 2011 New England Institute of Professional Photography, Resort and Conference Center, Hyannis, MA, April 10-15, 2011. See course listings at www.neipp.com.
Neil 6899 Briefcase and album
NIK software - $599
Oklahoma City Thunder NBA game - 4 on-the-floor tickets
PPA - 2 PPA memberships
Precision Camera and Video - $300 photolab credit
Professional Photographers of Oklahoma - Oklahoma School Tuition - $400 - June 5-9 - June 14-16
Send-Out Cards - $49
Showcase Photo & Video - Lowepro Magnum 400 AW - $230.00
Sigma $350 Flash EF-530
Simply Canvas $100
Snap Totes 100 Gift card
Special Kids Photography Workshop
SuccessWare - 1 year of leasing
Texas School scholarship (May 1-6, 2011) even for sold-out class. See course listings at www.texasschool.org.
Tamrac Zipshot tripod- $60, Evolution Backpack-$200, Rally 5 bag-$80.00
John Travolta - Signed print
Rick Trummer - Geeks Tour Workshop - $59
Think Tank - Airport Takeoff Backpack - $299
Viewfinder Masks (formerly CropLines) - Sensor cleaning
Wacom Intuous 4 mediumTablet - $349
Wescott lighting kit - $750
WHCC - 4 theme baskets including $500 lab credit
WHCC - 2 theme baskets including 3-month Pickpic Pro
Wicker by Design - $50 gift certificate
Wild Sorbet - $200 gift certificate

Goldstein's Guide to Christmas Shopping

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-12-08T15:00:00-05:00
As editor of The Connecticut Spotlight, the publication of Connecticut Professional Photographers, PPA Charities Trustee Harvey Goldstein can be counted on for lively editorials. This month, he shared his wisdom (and holiday photograph) on the subject of holiday gift-giving, with a nice shoutout for PPA Charities. It is reprinted here with Santa Goldstein’s permission:

The Chanukah candles have burned out, the latkes (fried potato pancakes) have been enjoyed, the dreidels have stopped spinning and the 8 days of gifts has ended. ARE YA READY FOR SOME CHRISTMAS? We do it all in our house so December is just one long holiday and food-fest. In the Goldstein house, we easily slide from latkes and sufganiyot (soof-gah-nee-YOT), which are jelly doughnuts that are eaten on Chanukah to Christmas ham and anginettes (Italian cookies).

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? Have you started your Christmas shopping?
My suggestion for gift-giving is to honor someone with a donation to a charity in their name. We all have “stuff”. As a matter of fact, we all have too much “stuff”. Why continue to clutter everyone’s home with “stuff”? You can give to the Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Diabetes Foundation, St. Jude… and the list goes on. My favorite is PPA Charities (ppacharities.com). PPA Charities is the philanthropic arm of the Professional Photographers of America. In 2005, PPA Charities named Operation Smile as its charitable partner. A perfect fit for photographers, whose daily business is creating smiles for their clients, Operation Smile’s mission is repairing childhood facial deformities including cleft lips and cleft palates.

At the 2010 PPA Convention, PPA Charities presented a $100,000 check to Operation Smile, surpassing their goal by $30,000. The goal for the 2011 PPA Convention is $120,000, but we need your help. If you purchase a smile ($240) before December 25, your donation will be matched and you will be purchasing two smiles for the price of one. Can you think of a better way for a photographer to spend his/her gift money?

There are many worthwhile charities but only one that combines what you do every day (make children smile) and giving hundreds of children the opportunity to smile. Our mantra is normally, “$240 will change a life”; from now until Christmas, our mantra
is, “$240 will change TWO LIVES.” It will actually change three lives, because it will
certainly change yours as well.

Wishing my fellow MOT a belated Happy Chanukah and to most everyone else, a very
Merry Christmas! Whatever holiday you celebrate, celebrate with zest and gusto, but also
safely. And to all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Charitiesingly,
Harv

'Tis the Season to be Giving! Here's How Your Clients Can Help You Support Operation Smile

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-11-20T11:24:13-05:00

The holiday season is a time when people are especially willing to reach out and help others in need. It's a great time to ask your clients to join you in supporting Operation Smile, so here's an idea from PPACH Trustee Ann Monteith:

Each holiday season we display a tree that is decorated with family photos in miniature frames that have been in our family for many years. This year we decided to use the tree to help us raise funds for Operation Smile. Our friends at Marathon Press created colorful ornament designs that we printed on heavy-weight paper stock and placed on the tree. During our sales sessions we are asking clients if they will donate $5 or more to Operation Smile, letting them know that we will match each of their donations with our own. The sign below explains the promotion and mentions a holiday special that also benefits Operation Smile: Duplicates of any 8x10 or smaller prints are half price, and we will donate that 100% of these purchases to the charity.

Click here to download .jpg files of Ann's 8x10 sign, which you can edit to add your own special offer

Click here to download the various ornament fronts and back copy, to which you can add your studio logo.

Red Green Purple Gold Blue Back

SOS to PPA Members: Less Than 3 Months Remain To Raise $78,311 for Operation Smile!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-10-12T18:58:00-04:00
With less than three months left in its 2010 fund-raising campaign, PPA members need to contribute approximately $78,311 if PPA Charities is to reach its $120,000 goal in support of its charitable partner Operation Smile. During 2009, PPA members contributed a record $100,000 to Operation Smile, and if this year's goal is met, then PPA members will have made it possible for as many as 500 children to receive the gift of life-changing surgery provided by the volunteer medical staff of Operation Smile.

Fortunately, PPA members will have plenty of opportunities to help: Funds can be raised through Family Portrait Month activities during October and November, and on November 1, the 2011 PPA Charities Operation Smile Studio campaign will begin; 7 studios have already registered to be PPACH Operation Smile Studios for 2011, so we hope you will be among the first to join them by donating at least $240 to PPA Charities!

Several individuals and companies have just announced plans to support Operation Smile through their special fund raising activities. For example, well-known Orlando, Florida, portrait photographer and teacher Tim Kelly is preparing to launch a event that will allow donors to encourage Tim to cut his currently long "artistic" hair to more of a "corporate" look. Tim hopes to raise $10,000 through this good-grooming effort.

Springfield, Illinois, photographer and marketing guru Sarah Petty is “cooking up” some fund-raising recipes that she will announce soon through her Joy of Marketing organization. Last year, Sarah raised a remarkable $24,000 for Operation Smile through her Joy to the World websummit.

So please join with us in showing the world what committed professional photographers can achieve when they stand together to make a difference in the lives of precious children whose lives can be changed forever through the gift of surgery.

Family Portrait Month Now in Full Swing!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-10-13T18:49:23-04:00

Houston Photographer Cindy Crofford is one of several hundred PPA-member photographers throughout the U.S. and in Australia who have launched fund-raising campaigns in support of Operation Smile. Cindy, who is a longstanding participant in Family Portrait Month, and who was one of the first PPA studios to become a PPA Charities Operation Smile Studio, recently experienced a tangible reminder of the importance of the mission supported by Operation Smile.

Not long ago Cindy photographed a portrait session for a very special mom and daughter. Michelle has been a mom to her adopted two-year-old daughter Lily for only a few months when they came for the portrait session, but she and her husband have been in Lily’s life since the day she came to live in the Chinese orphanage where the family had registered for adoption. The abandoned baby girl had been born with a cleft lip/palate, and Michelle and her husband Brandon provided financial support for corrective surgery for the baby, who has blossomed into a beautiful toddler who will enjoy a normal life because of the gift of surgery.

“Seeing Lily, and knowing how different her life would have been without the support of her new family,” said Cindy, “really drove home how important it is to support an organization such as Operation Smile.”

This year Cindy advertised Family Portrait Month through a post card sent to her clients, the front of which is pictured above. The back copy side of the card is shown below.

Cindy recently produced a 12-page 6”x9” family portrait booklet that includes this page devoted to the studio’s support of Operation Smile:

A page on Cindy’s website also advertises Family Portrait Month to site visitors.

Thanks to Cindy and to all those who are raising funds for Operation Smile through PPA Charities!

Operation Smile Reaches Milestone: 150,000 New Smile Surgeries

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-08-09T21:28:44-04:00

On August 3, 2010, Operation Smile proudly announced a significant milestone: the organization has given 150,000 smiles to children and young adults around the world who previously suffered from a debilitating cleft lip or cleft palate. More than 150,000 lives are now changed forever.

Since, 2005, when PPA Charities chose Operation Smile to be its charitable beneficiary, PPA members and vendors have donated more than $250,000 to Operation Smile, meaning that photographers who make their livings by bringing smiles to the faces of their clients, are responsible for helping Operation Smile volunteers save 1,041 of these 150,000 smiles. It takes only $240 to fund the gift of surgery to a child by Operation Smile’s volunteer medical and support staff.

In 2010, Operation Smile trustees hope to save 500 more smiles through PPA member-donations, having set a goal of $120,000, which will eclipse 2009’s record-breaking donation of $100,000.

Please stand together with your fellow PPA members to make possible the miracle of surgery for children such as these beautiful twins whose lives were changed forever because caring individuals gave them the life-changing gift of their smiles. To see more examples of Operation’s Smile’s extraordinary work around the world, view videos by clicking here.

PPA Trustee Graham Wilson Covers Operation Smile Event

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-08-28T17:28:55-04:00

Earlier this month, PPA Trustee Graham Wilson, whose Visions Photography is located in Littleton, CO, provided the photographic coverage for Operation Smile’s annual International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) in Denver. Over 400 students from 12 countries attended the event, which is held annually at a different university around the world. Its purpose is to help students develop and strengthen leadership skills and character, receive training on how to help those in developing countries, as well as increase their cultural awareness. Thousands of students in more than 600 schools around the world are involved in Operation Smile’s Student Programs, making a difference in children’s lives worldwide and learning the importance of volunteerism. The International Student Leadership Conference for 2011 is scheduled to be held at the University of Beijing.

One of Graham’s responsibilities at the ISLC was to photograph Jessica Simpson, Operation Smile’s International Youth Ambassador, who mingled with students prior to her opening night presentation. Since 2003, Simpson has helped to spread awareness for children suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate as well as the work of Operation Smile. In 2006, she visited Capitol Hill to speak on behalf of the organization. She has participated on international medical missions to Kenya and India, where she donned scrubs and witnessed the work of the surgical team in the operating room. Recently, Jessica launched a new initiative called A Beautiful Me in collaboration with Operation Smile, to help inspire self-esteem in young people who can then use their confidence and personal strength to change the world.

According to Graham, Jessica proved to be a good sport, mingling with the students and talking to them about her experiences on the mission in Africa. The conference also included addresses by master motivator Dan Clark, of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame, as well as by Dr. Bill Magee and his wife, Kathy, the founders of Operation Smile. According to Graham, “the stories from the speakers were truly inspirational, and they intensified my resolve to help this incredible organization.” Dr. Magee is shown below as he introduces Jessica Simpson for her opening-night presentation.

“It was a real treat to be involved in such an amazing event, with so many incredible people,” said Graham, who met up with two students who took part in the mission to Vietnam that Graham documented last year. “Those girls are both incredible high school kids, and I had a wonderful time visiting with them,” he said.

Graham caught the image at left of Operation Smile founders Bill and Kathy Magee, whom he met for the first time last year during his coverage of the Vietnam mission, which was one of 16 medical missions conducted simultaneously across Vietnam from November 4 through November 16 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Operation Smile’s presence in that country. Graham is shown with his wife Annemarie and Dr. McGee in the photo below. You can view a video that Graham made of his Vietnam mission by clicking here.

Laurie Weaver Chosen to Document Operation Smile Mission

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-05-01T00:03:54-04:00

When Laurie Weaver packs her cameras to leave on an Operation Smile mission later this year, it won’t be the first time that she has used photography to spread the word about important charitable causes. In fact it wasn’t until 2007, when Laurie was asked by a friend to photograph the local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, that she was forced to acknowledge her secret desire to become a professional photographer. “I nervously showed up at the media tent with three times as much gear as I needed hanging from my body, wearing some really cute sneakers,” she explains. “Twenty thousand runners and walkers later my photographs were moving across the Jumbotron screen, and I was hooked.”

Her new photography career was quite a change from her former life, which had been spent as an architecture student and then an architectural design engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “I always had a camera nearby and stuck my nose in the activity of any photographer I saw,” she recalls. “I was especially impressed by the photographers on NASA’s zero-gravity plane who could shoot and film while floating inside the cabin of a KC-135 aircraft.”

Today, Laurie’s feet are planted firmly on the ground in her Austin studio. Her photography style aptly represents the sentiment she expressed on the home page of her website: “A memory is a painting dabbed with streaks of intense light and color; yet empty without the softer, muted tones of everyday life.” Little did PPACH know how lucky Operation Smile would be when Laurie’s name was drawn from the hundreds of photographers who qualified for the mission opportunity by donating to Operation Smile in 2009; in only a few words, she tells visitors to her website all they need to know about her motivation as a photographer and why she is so well-suited to document an Operation Smile mission:

I love imagery and movement,
the complexity of light,
and the
brief sparkle of a connection.
People are intriguing,
their potential energy, amazing.

I have degrees in Architecture &
Extreme Environmental Design.
I love my 3 kids,
and they make me crazy.
I played at being a writer,
tumbled down ski slopes
& ran marathons.
I am in love with my
high school sweetheart.
I designed space habitats at
NASA and believed in dreams.

Photography has been my
passion throughout.

You can visit Laurie’s website by clicking here.

PPACH-Sponsored "Chicks Who Click" Conference Rocks in Scottsdale!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-07-25T16:00:52-04:00

Over 150 registrants and 13 sponsors/vendors benefitted from outstanding presentations on topics designed to increase their business success at the first “Chicks Who Click” conference to be sponsored by PPA Charities. The conference not only received rave reviews from attendees, it also succeeded in raising more than $30,000 for PPACH.

This financial outcome was especially rewarding, as the primary organizers, Bert Behnke, Mary Fisk-Taylor, and Kay Eskridge, had less than four months to organize and publicize the event. “Part of this success was our good fortune in having such an amazing group of presenters volunteer their services on behalf of PPA Charities,” said PPACH President Mary Fisk-Taylor. “The Chicks Conference was a real team effort, with volunteers, trustees, speakers, vendors and attendees all helping to make it a huge success.”

The funds raised will allow PPACH to cover part of its yearly operating expenses, which will help the organization to meet its 2010 goal of raising $120,000 for its charitable partner, Operation Smile, an increase of $20,000 over the 2009 donation of $100,000.

An internal survey sent to attendees gave the conference a rating of 9.2 on a 10-point scale. The FireSky Resort and Spa received a 9.5 rating. Over 50% of the respondents stated that it was their first PPA conference, all said they would consider attending again, and the majority stated they preferred the same resort/area. According to the organizers, the hotel was extremely easy to work with and a great value for attendees. The hot weather, they said, was offset by the spa and pool facilities available on the property.

The setting and mood was perfect for networking and fun:

And who could forget the vendor goodies . . .

. . . the gastronomic goodies . . .

. . . and time to shop at the Boutique!

According to a pile of testimonials, everyone appreciated the high level of educational sharing . . .

. . . made possible by an exceptionally talented group of speakers.

A real CWC highlight was the drawing and awarding of a grand prize of over $4,000 donated by speakers and vendors, which was won by lucky Colorado photographer Heather Leider.

Attendees also received first-hand knowledge about the exceptional work of PPACH’s charitable partner, Operation Smile, through a presentation by Angie Weedon, a PPACH Trustee, who, through her studio’s outstanding fund-raising efforts, was the first PPA-member photographer to earn the right to document an Operation Smile mission trip.

You can watch a video of Angie’s Operation Smile mission images by clicking here.

Thanks also to PPACH Trustee Graham Wilson, who was on hand to spread the word about Operation Smile Studios. We greatly appreciate those attendees who signed up to become PPA Operation Smile Studios at the conference. If you have not already decided to join, take a look at our new PPA Operation Smile Studio video by clicking here. Becoming an Operation Smile Studio is a great way to support PPA Charities and a wonderful means of communicating to your clients that you run a business that reaches out to help others.

Special thanks go out to “Chicks” organizers Bert Behnke, PPACH executive director . . .

PPACH President Mary Fisk-Taylor . . .

. . . our oh-so-supportive vendors . . .

. . . and Honorary PPACH Trustee (Arizona) Kay Eskridge, our eyes and ears in Scottsdale. . . and the best welcoming-committee-of-one ever!

Thanks for Supporting PPA Charities!

In the coming months PPACH Trustees will be reviewing conference possibilities for next year. So check our website often!

Photography provided by Jamie Hayes, M.Photog.Cr.

Texas School Contributes $24,000 to Support Operation Smile!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-05-15T20:49:00-04:00
Thanks to the ingenuity, support and generosity of the directors, instructors and students of the 2010 Texas School, PPA Charities succeeded in raising $24,000 for our charitable partner, Operation Smile, far surpassing last year’s outstanding Texas School donation of $17,000.

How It All Got Started . . .

Texas School is the largest of all PPA Affiliate Schools in the country, and this year the week-long event drew over 1,000 students from throughout the U.S. and abroad. The tradition of PPA Charities fundraising at Texas School began spontaneously in 2008, when a few instructors, who were familiar with PPACH’s support Operation Smile, encouraged their class members to donate. This effort culminated at the Thursday evening all-school party when school director Don Dixon offered to shave his head if the donation could grow to $5000. It did, and Don lost his hair!

In 2009, Texas School instructors encouraged their classes to buy as many smiles as they could by playing an Operation Smile video so that students could learn how this organization’s incredible volunteers can perform life-changing surgery for a desperately needy child for only $240. Jed and Vicki Taufer’s class alone donated an amazing $7,300 for individual contributions and auctions of merchandise and private classes by Jed and Vicki. Their donation, along with those from other classes, along with an impromptu auction of donated vendor items, resulted in a $17,000 contribution to Operation Smile!

A Texas School Tradition

With the 2009 donation, which represents 70 smiles, two years of impromptu acts of generosity at Texas School toward PPA Charities have created what is now a Texas School tradition! So for 2010, each class was challenged to help PPA Charities by raising enough so that we could donate at least two smiles ($480) to Operation Smile. With 33 classes at the school, we hoped to come close to the 2009 donation of $17,000. To generate additional excitement, PPACH offered a full Texas School scholarship to be given out to a member of the class that raised the most, as well as a scholarship to “Chicks Who Click” for every $1000 raised by each class.
100 Smiles for 2010!

We were amazed and astounded at the effort some of the classes made; only a few raised less than $100, and, remarkably, Helen Yancy’s class raised $4,000 by holding a raffle for a fine art print created by Richard Sturdevant, shown at left (see Richard’s fabulous print up close on the homepage of his website). Most attendees were involved at some point, which made it fun for Texas School and very rewarding for PPACH. In the end, we raised over $24,000 . . . 100 smiles!

PPACH Executive Director Bert Behnke was on hand at the school’s trade show so that he could provide information on PPACH and PPA to attendees.

Thanks to Texas School for their incredible leadership on behalf of PPA Charities; we can’t wait for the 2011 edition of Texas School, which will be held in Dallas on May 1-6, 2011! For information on Texas School, click here.

PPA Charities Celebration Event 2009

admin@ppacharities.com — 2008-08-13T14:30:00-04:00

PPA Charities hosts a "Celebration" event Saturday evening before PPA's Imaging USA (the national convention in January) officially begins. The celebration event will take place at Alice Coopers Town in Phoenix, just two blocks from Convention Center and features fun, fellowship, and food. The evening kicks off with a VIP Cocktail Hour from 8-9pm. VIP Cocktail Hour tickets are only $35 and include hors d'oeuvres and open bar. The doors open to all convention attendees at 9pm, and the fun continues with the live/silent auction, the check presentation to Operation Smile, and music and dancing.

Mark your calendar now to attend the PPA Charities' Celebration on January 10, 2009, in Phoenix.

Join in the Fun at Imaging USA!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2008-12-31T10:44:00-05:00
So if you're still not sure if you wanted to attend the Celebration Event on Saturday, January 10th in Phoenix, here are a few reasons to consider.

Alice CoopersTown - If you haven't been there or tried the food, it's a real treat. It's where rock & roll meets sports, the best of both worlds. This great venue is only a few blocks from the Phoenix Convention Center, so it's a short walk to the venue.
VIP tickets are only $35 and in limited supply, you'll get FREE hors d'ouevres, FREE open bar, first chance at entry and guaranteed to not be shut out if we reach capacity. You will also be eligible for pre-event drawings and auctions and first peek at all of our auction items. This one hour reception (8-9pm) is a must for all of those who want to see and be seen as the patrons for PPA Charities. Plus you get a cool collectors button!
Watch as PPA Charities presents our annual donation to Operation Smile. Last year's check for $52,000 from Family Portrait Month changed the lives of over 200 children by providing the funds needed for life-changing surgery on cleft palates and other facial deformities by the volunteers from Operation Smile.
Meet Carmit Bachar, celebrity spokesperson for Operation Smile. This former PussyCat Doll, shares her story on how she was affected directly by Operation Smile.
Be there as we recognize PPA Charities biggest supporters and find out who wins the mission trip with Operation Smile in 2009, as well as recognition of other VIPs.
A fun way to show your support is to have your eyes done up in Alice Cooper's famous style. The Delta Zeta sorority from ASU is sending volunteers to give you Alice-Eyes for a small donation.
Music? Well of course there's music! Rock out all during the evening, but get ready for a real experience when Sixty Degrees North takes the stage. For the first time, PPA Charities brings the fun with dancing and partying, kind of a big blow out to celebrate all of those who supported us in 2008 and bring in 2009.
We'll also hear from our friends at Twin Cities PPA and the Texas School and see how they each have challenged the other PPA Affiliates to support PPA Charities.
Be the first to see our new hoodies and long-sleeved t-shirts. We're sure they'll sell out, but those who come to the Celebration Event will have first dibs!
Did I mention the Auctions? As of December 12th we have tons of items ready for your bidding with more coming every day.

Here's a list of what we have so far:

The PPA Affiliates School are big supporters; we already have Scholarships from New England Institute of PP (NEIPP), Texas School, MAIPP, Image Explorations, West Coast School, the Oklahoma School, Triangle Institute of PP, East Coast School, Illinois Workshops and the Lamarr Williamson School.
PPA Exhibitors who have stepped forward are many; SuccessWare is a sponsor of the Event and contributor as well as Gina Alexander,
Tamrac, Image Tech Marketing, Expo Imaging Inc., DIGINEG Ltd., M-Rock Camera Bags, Group Photographers Assn., Corel Corporation, Backgrounds by Maheu, Richmond Professional Lab, Dahle North America, MyBWLab.com, Rice Studio Supply, WhiteHouse Custom Colour and Think Tank Photo.
PPA has donated a full year membership and IUSA 2010 Registration and also VIP reserved seats to the Anne Geddes program. IUSA
Speakers and PPA photographers donating items include Anne Geddes, Jeremy Sutton, Bert & Cindy Behnke, Ron Nichols and Hanson Fong.
Local donors include the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Club, Rockin' R Ranch, Sheraton Phoenix Hotel, First Watch Restaurant, Phoenix Art Museum, Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Phoenix Zoo, the Phoenix Suns Basketball Team and McCormick & Schmicks.
And we have items from Robin Williams and John Travolta, too.

So is that enough reason to show up? But remember, only those with VIP tickets will be guaranteed admittance. After 9:00 p.m. everybody is welcome, but space is limited and only what Alice Cooperstown can hold will be accommodated, so call PPA or contact PPA Charities by calling 708-267-0657 or bbehnke@ppa.com.

We hope to see you in Phoenix.

PPA Charities Donations Pass $150,000 Mark

admin@ppacharities.com — 2009-02-02T10:42:00-05:00
Last October, nearly 350 members of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) in 41 states and the District of Columbia participated in PPA Charities' Family Portrait Month, a, national fundraising effort to benefit Operation Smile, making possible a donation of $50,635 to the charitable partner of PPA Charities. This donation raises the amount that PPA Charities has contributed to children's charities to more than $150,000.

On January 10, during PPA's Imaging USA convention in Phoenix, Arizona, PPA Charities presented the 2008 donation to Operation Smile at Alice Cooperstown. The check was received by Beth Marshall, Operation Smile Senior Executive Advisor for Latin America and Caribbean, and Carmit Bachar, Operation Smile Celebrity Smile Ambassador. Bachar, an American singer and dancer, is best known as a member of the pop group, The Pussycat Dolls. Ms. Bachar, who was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate, participated on an Operation Smile medical mission to Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

PPA Charities' over $50,000 donation occurred during a time when many were toning down their charitable donations. In fact, during a four-year partnership, PPA Charities has raised more than $150,000 for Operation Smile...translating into helping hundreds of children and young adults.

PPA photographer Graham Wilson of Colorado was the largest donor to Operation Smile through the 2008 Family Portrait Month campaign, raising $10,000. By generating the largest donation during Family Portrait Month, Wilson won the chance to photograph an upcoming Operation Smile international medical mission.

Operation Smile has posted an item about PPA Charities' efforts on their website; you can read it by clicking here.

PPACH Sets $70k Goal for 2009 Operation Smile Donation

admin@ppacharities.com — 2009-06-09T10:35:52-04:00
In each of the four years since PPA Charities named Operation Smile to be it's charitable partner, PPA members have increased their donations to the charity. This year, the PPACH trustees have set the ambitious goal of $70,000 to be raised through Family Portrait Month and other activities in direct support of Operation Smile. This goal represents a $20,000 increase over the 2008 donation of $50,000, but more importantly, it will make possible nearly 300 smiles repaired by the volunteer professionals of Operation Smile. Together PPA member trulys can make these miracles happen . . . one smile at a time. To learn how you can participate, click here.

Don't Miss IUSA All-Star Marketing Class!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2009-08-06T10:29:12-04:00

PPA Charities announces the first ever full-day Charitable Marketing pre-conference class at PPA's ImagingUSA national convention. An all-star line-up will share their best ideas on how to incorporate charitable marketing into your studio strategy. The class, which is scheduled from 9-5 on Saturday, January 9, 2010, will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

Class moderator will be Mary Fisk-Taylor, PPA Charities president and nationally known speaker. Confirmed speakers to date are Jed & Vicki Taufer, Lori Nordstrom, Jeff & Julia Woods, Sarah Petty, Lori Craft and Tim & Beverly Walden. In addition, Ann Monteith and Angie Weedon, the administrators of Family Portrait Month and Operation Smile Studio programs, will present information on the 2010 programs and activities, as well as a host of ideas for raising funds for Operation Smile, PPACH's charitable partner.

The class will include special guest speaker Margaret Moore, from Dublin, Ireland. Margaret will explain how the Irish Professional Photographers Association has used charitable marketing to elevate the profile of both the Association and its members through its annual Happy Faces Day promotion, which last year alone raised over $90,000 for its charitable partner. Recently Margaret was named as one of Ireland's Top 100 Business Women by Irish Entrepreneur magazine. She and her husband, Barry, own and operate Photogenic, an upscale portrait/wedding business in Dalkey.

Finally, you will see and hear from Bert Behnke and Graham Wilson, who in the last quarter of 2009 documented heart-touching Operation Smile missions in Bolivia and Vietnam. In their own words and pictures you'll understand just how powerful a tool charitable marketing can be, and how lives have been transformed because of professional photographers working on their behalf through Operation Smile.

This class will be offered for only $129! All speakers have agreed to donate their services for this amazing class to raise funds for PPA Charities, which will allow us to continue our support of Operation Smile and to provide opportunities for PPA members to do likewise.

For signup information click here.

December 28 Joy to the World Websummit to Benefit Operation Smile!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2009-11-15T21:14:51-05:00

Sarah Petty is joining with PPA Charities to raise funds for its charitable partner Operation Smile at her December 28 Joy of Marketing Websummit! The webcast will feature 14 hours of FREE education from 28 of the industry's top photographers, during which you can join together with fellow photographers from coast to coast to donate (even a dollar) to give the gift of cleft lip or cleft palate surgery to deserving children.

Over 10,000 professional photographers registered for Sarah's Master Photographers Free Marketing Telesummit in September. Sarah expects an even bigger audience for this great marketing event, which will help you jump start your business for 2010, so she's set a goal to save the smiles of 100 children ($24,000) through Operation Smile! It takes only $240 for Operation Smile's volunteer medical professionals to change the life of a child forever. What better way for photographers to give back to children in need!
What's more, The Joy of Marketing will match
Websummit donations up to $5,000!

So get off to a strong start in the New Year and help some deserving children while you do! You'll learn from David Jay, Sam Puc, Julia Woods, Jerry Ghionis, Scott Crosby, Will Crockett and more! The Joy to the World Websummit promises to provide you with serious money-making ideas for your business.

All you need is a computer with an Internet connection to join in on December 28 (and the latest version of Adobe Flash - it's free, too). The Websummit will be available for 24 hours beginning at 12:01 CST on December 28. Listen to only those speakers you like best or watch all 28. You can start, stop and pause each speakers' presentation to learn at your leisure within the 24 hour window. Simply REGISTER NOW for FREE by clicking here!

If you're not available on December 28, 2009 or want to get a head start on 2010 planning for your business, you can purchase the Adobe FLASH files of all 14 hours for $89 and receive access to the speaker presentations IMMEDIATELY. A pre-websummit special price of $59 is available until December 27. Just register before December 28, 2009, and you'll receive this special offer! To learn more about Sarah Petty's Joy of Marketing Websummit, click here.

Huge thanks to Sarah for her generosity in partnering with
PPA Charities in support of Operation Smile!

See you in Nashville! January 9, 2010 - 8:00 P.M.

admin@ppacharities.com — 2009-12-01T15:04:37-05:00

The evening of Saturday, January 9, 2010 will kick off Imaging USA in a big way, as PPA Charities hosts its fifth annual Celebration Event & Auction at the world-famous Gaylord Opryland Hotel. This year, the festivities will be FREE to all IUSA attendees! Here's the schedule:

Beginning at 8:00 P.M., gather with fellow photographers to enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship as only PPA can offer: a multi-faceted experience that includes silent and live auctions of great photographic and celebrity items; a presentation from Operation Smile, our charitable partner; as well as our annual contribution presentation; dancing to a DJ; and a fun-filled event called "The Ronald" (think Celebrity Apprentice). During an evening highlight we will acknowledge our 2009 donors and award a $500 cash drawing.

Check Out These Great PPACH Auction Items!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-01-04T20:36:39-05:00
Join us at the FREE PPA Charities Celebration event at ImagingUSA on January 9, 2010 in Nashville! Here's the most recent list of items to be auctioned:

From the Work of Love to a Work of Art

Kindred Charms, of Houston Texas, has created a one-of-a-kind sterling silver bracelet (similar to the one shown above),which will feature four charms cast from the fingerprints of children who received the gift of life-changing surgery during a recent Operation Smile medical mission to Paraguay. PPA member Bert Behnke documented the mission and created the wax impressions from which the charms were cast. These fingerprints now represent the healing gift given through the generosity of PPA Charities participants: These simple symbols artfully personify the touches of gratitude from the children and their families whose lives have been healed, and a tag charm bears the PPA Charities identity. This exceptional bracelet was handcrafted in Texas, with love, by Greg Jensen and Carol Andrews of Kindred Charms.

Spend a Week at Deep Creek Lake!

The high bidder will win a week-long stay at Jim and Ann Monteith's lake house at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, a 4-seasons resort in the mountains of Western Maryland (Garrett County). Offered on May 1-7, 2010, the lake-side home has 5 bedrooms and 5 baths, sleeps 12, and would be perfect for a family vacation, business meeting or for hosting your own workshop.

Bid On Workshops, Equipment, Software, Mentoring and More!

Photoshop CS4 from Adobe
After Dark Miami package including registration, lodging & equipment
Animoto offers an Annual ProPass & a 3 month ProPass
A 40"x90" retractable banner stand from Buckeye Color Lab
A Day of Hands On learning with a Burrell Professional Imaging Mentor
Carl Caylor's 4 DVD Educational Set
Collages.net gives a Free Album and gift certificates
Professional & Personal Rolling Trimmers from Dahle NA
2 Instructional DVDs from Greg Daniel
DriveSavers "Back Up" basket
ExpoDisc from Expo Imaging
Set of 3 designer handbags from Gina Alexander
John Hartman's QuickProofs Palette
NHL star Bret Hedican's autographed print
Jennifer Hudson's DVD Action sets
Jen's Fabulous Stuff Fundamental Posing Guide
Kimbra Studios Alexis solid sterling silver photo bracelet
Sterling Silver bracelet from Kindred Charms, commemorating Operation Smile
Kodak's Professional Film
Kubota Imaging Tools ProPack
A class at the 2010 Lamar Williamson School
Larson Enterprises Gift Certificates
An artistic background from Madcamp
Backgrounds by Maheu Scenic Muslin
Two Marathon Press Workshops
Metal Mural's 9 Square mini metal mural & a 12" metal square
A Fine Art Mural from Miller's Professional Imaging
Zion Camera Backpack from M-Rock Camera Bags
Musicians Hall of Fame basket
Nashville Attractions/Parthenon/Carnton Plantation/Zoo/Symphony
Nashville Restaurant certificates/Sole Mio/Chaffan's Barn Dinner
Nations Photo Lab Gift Certificates
NIK Software's Complete Collection Ultimate Edition
Nikon's D5000 Body w/AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55 lens & kit
Full tuition for the 2010 Oklahoma School
Tuition to the Oklahoma School Arches & Moab Landscape Workshop
Operation Smile set of Scrubs from the 2009 Paraguay mission
Tim Ostermeyer's Childrens Books & Fine Art Prints
Breeze Album from PictoBooks
2011 Buddy Pass for Imaging USA from PPA
One year PPA membership
Ron Nichols Studio Palettes
RNDS Fine Art Enhancement Palette
Two domestic airlines tickets from Safe Harbors Travel Group
Send Out Cards Box Software
Simply Canvas Gift Certificates
Southpoint Photo Imaging sends a Mitsubishi 3020 Printer
"Polar Bear & Camera" Ltd Edition 29/30 from Jay Stock
Suzette Allen's Sarabella Template Series
Tamrac's Aero Speed Pack Backpack/Ultra Pro case/Velocity 9x Sling Pack
One week class at the Texas School in 2010
Time Exposure's ProSelect Basic or Pro Upgrades
ProSelect Room View Collections I & II
Autographed John Travolta Aviation print
Tim Walden's BW Darkroom Palette
Gift basket & Gift Certificates from WHCC
WHCC PickPac themed baskets
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi sends an autographed print
Helen Yancy Artist Palette

The Charities Celebration and Auction is FREE this year
thanks to our major sponsor, WHCC.

The first 200 attendees will receive a free drink ticket
compliments of SuccessWare.

A DJ will provide entertainment compliments of Marathon Press.

Join us at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel at 8:00 P.M.

“Chicks Who Click” Set for June 24-27 Sign Up Now!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-04-09T21:02:00-04:00
Yes, It's Back! Brought to you this year by PPA Charities, the Chicks Who Click Conference is still being talked about by the hundreds of women (and a few male stalwarts) who have attended this unique education opportunity.

On June 24-27 you'll have a chance to learn from some of the industry's top mentors, connect with other photographers and enjoy some girlfriend time in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona, at the fabulous Firesky Resort & Spa. This boutique hotel features an incredible spa, and all attendees will receive specials and discounts!

____________________________________________________________________

Space is limited to 300, so don’t be disappointed . . .
Sign up Now for Chick Who Click!

____________________________________________________________________

Whether you are a seasoned pro or brand new to the industry, this conference offers something for everyone. We will feature many topics including Boudoir, Marketing, Sales, Seniors, Children, Posing & Lighting, Weddings, Photoshop, and much, much more. The fabulous speaker lineup features Kay Eskridge, Mary Fisk-Taylor, Beth Forester, Jen Hillenga, Julie Klaasmeyer, Julieanne Kost, Cindy Behnke, Britney Fullgraf, Lori Nordstrom, and Cheryl Ridgeway.

Early registration is only $249 for PPA members and $279 for non-members; after April 30 pay $299 for PPA members and $329 for non-members. Registration includes top-notch programs, social events, mentoring opportunities, some meals, boutique shopping and plenty of great girlfriend gifts.

Being a part of the 2010 Chicks Who Click Conference will give you the chance to learn, grow and connect with friends--old and new. Plus, you'll be helping PPA Charities and Operation Smile to change children's lives . . . one smile at a time.

For more information, contact Bert Behnke at bbehnke@ppa.com. To register for the conference, click here. For hotel reservations, click here or call 480-945-7666, ask for reservations, and tell them you are with PPA Charities to receive the discounted rate.

PPACH Sets $120,000 Operation Smile Donation Goal

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-03-07T19:52:00-05:00
In each of the five years since PPA Charities named Operation Smile to be it's charitable partner, PPA members have increased their donations. For 2010 the PPACH Trustees have established a record-setting goal of $120,000 to be raised through activities in direct support of Operation Smile. This goal represents a $50,000 increase over the 2009 goal of $70,000! PPA Charities President Mary Fisk-Taylor explains:

"Last year represented an amazing turning point in our fundraising activities for PPA Charities. Because so many caring photographers and industry vendors recognized what could be accomplished for Operation Smile when we all stand together, we topped our $70,000 goal by $30,000! This allowed us to present Operation Smile with a check for $100,000 at our PPACH Celebration at ImagingUSA in January. This means that the smiles of more than 400 children will be saved through of the generosity of our industry.

"Because of this outstanding performance in 2009, the PPACH Trustees feel confident that our goal of $120,000 can be reached in 2010. Just imagine how we will feel about our great industry if this time next year we know that the lives of 500 children will be changed forever because more and more photographers participated in this great effort! It is within our reach if we start our fundraising efforts now, and if we spread the word about what we are doing to our industry colleagues!

"Thank you again for opening your hearts to children around the world and to the fabulous volunteer professionals at Operation Smile. Take a moment now to mark your 2011 calendar so that you can take part in the PPA Charities Celebration on the evening of Saturday, January 15, at Imaging USA in San Antonio!"

To learn how you can support Operation Smile, click here.

PPA Charities Celebrates at Imaging USA!

admin@ppacharities.com — 2010-02-01T19:04:00-05:00
To say that the January 2010 PPA Charities Celebration at PPA's ImagingUSA national convention in Nashville was a success is truly an understatement! The event was packed with over 500 members eager to kick off the convention and celebrate PPA Charities' accomplishments for 2009.

The Big News: PPA Photographers
Raise $100,000 for Operation Smile!

The evening's high point was the presentation of a check for $100,000, which represents funds raised by photographers for PPACH's charitable partner, Operation Smile, in 2009. In the photo below, members of the PPA Charities Trustees and other well-wishers surround PPACH president Mary Fisk-Taylor (center right) as she presents the check to Beth Marshall, director of Operation Smile's Southeast Region and senior executive advisor for Latin America. Beth is the sister of Kathy Magee, cofounder of Operation Smile.

The $100,000 donation represents a major milestone for PPA Charities, as it nearly doubled the $50,635 contribution presented at IUSA in 2009. According to PPACH Executive Director Bert Behnke, "This outstanding result would not have been possible without the incredible participation of many new individual and corporate donors who have recognized that Operation Smile is such a worthy organization and a perfect fit for photographers." To date, PPA photographers have raised a total of $250,000 for Operation Smile. That translates into well over 1,000 smiles that have been saved through the generosity of PPA members. For a complete listing of PPACH 2009 contributors, click here.

The check ceremony followed a narrated slide presentation by Bert Behnke, who documented an Operation Smile mission to Paraguay in November, and a presentation by Dr. Rafael Gottenger, who spoke from the heart about the impact of Operation Smile and the importance of photography in telling the story of Operation Smile's world-wide missions. Dr. Gottenger's work was documented by PPA member and PPACH Board member Graham Wilson, who accompanied a November mission to Vietnam.

Graham Wilson and members of his studio staff are shown below along with
Dr. Gottenger, Beth Marshall and Bert Behnke.

Demonstrating The Power of ONE

"The Ronald" fundraiser, which took place during the Celebration, was a light-hearted spoof on Donald Trump's reality show with PPA President's Ron Nichols and two other judges, determining the winning team, shown below, which consisted of Kay Eskridge, Trey and Elizabeth Homan, Lori Nordstrom, and Dan Pfeffer.

Team leader Kay Eskridge explains their "Power of ONE" fund-raising strategy: "Our goal was to enlist the support of socially responsible photographers by sharing how simple the power of one really is: These are tough times for fundraising but we know that people still want to help. They just feel like the small amount they may have to give couldn't possibly make a difference. Our campaign was designed to show them it is not true. Small amounts could count. And, by spreading the word about the Power of One, they would become a part of a campaign that was making a dramatic difference in so many little lives. So we ed, ed, blogged, emailed, e-newslettered . . . and worked tirelessly at spreading the word and asking for small amounts. "Standing as ONE, professional photographers across the country can make a difference in the lives of children all over the world through the PPA Charities Operation Smile Campaign."

Rick Gibbons Honored With PPA Charities Legacy Award

During the Awards Ceremony on the last evening of ImagingUSA, Rick Gibbons received The PPA Charities Legacy Award, which recognizes outstanding service and commitment to PPA Charities and philanthropic endeavors. Rick was honored for his pioneering work with Operation Smile, through the North Carolina Professional Photographers Association and the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association (SEPPA), which resulted in the ongoing relationship between PPA Charities and Operation Smile. Rick is a past president of both organizations. Rick's award was acknowledged by Mary Fisk-Taylor during the Celebration event.

Because of the size of the crowd in Nashville, PPA has reserved a much larger room for the 2011 Celebration event at at IUSA in San Antonio. We're going to need it, as Texas School has contacted us to help sponsor the Celebration as the unofficial welcome party to IUSA 2011. Wow!

To relive the sights and fun of the 2010 PPACH Celebration, click here.

Mark your calendar NOW for January 15, 2011. SEE YOU IN SAN ANTONIO!

PPA Charities Feed

Bid on PPA Charities January 19 <br>Gala Auction Items from Home — NOW!

It's Official: PPA Members <br>Have Saved 2,000 Smiles!

IUSA to Feature Celebration of Smiles Panel

Family Portrait Month Ideas

Participating PPA Members Raise $46,581<br>Through First Annual Celebration of Smiles Day

PPACH Portrait Awards Winners Announced

Texas School Trustees, Instructors, Students Raise $25,600 for Operation Smile!

Looking for Info on Celebration of Smiles Day?

Just in Time for Your "Celebration" Promotion — Download this Thank You Handout NOW!

Buckeye Professional Imaging Offers Free 5x7 Prints to Support "Celebration of Smiles" Day

First 2012 "Celebration of Smiles" Event Gets<br>Campaign Off to Great Start; 4 Smiles Saved!

Countdown Begins for “Celebration of Smiles” April 21, 2012 Campaign

Learn More About "Celebration of Smiles"

In Memoriam: Jon Smith 9/9/54 - 1/31/12

The Good Times Rolled at Imaging USA!

Operation Smile Featured in “A Cure to War <br>. . . six degrees of humanity ”

China Operation Smile Video Features "Fix You"

Get Ready to Bid On Fabulous Auction Items<br>At the January 14 Imaging USA PPA Charities Celebration Gala and Auction in New Orleans!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Don't Miss Any of the PPA Charities Events at IUSA in New Orleans!

10-Day 11.11.11 Campaign Nets $7754 for<br>for the Children of Operation Smile!

A Message to PPA Members from Operation Smile's Co-Founder, Dr. William P. Magee, Jr.

IUSA to Spotlight Charitable Marketing Program

Cindy Crofford Saves Smiles in October.

Halloween Portraits Benefit Operation Smile!

Florida PPA Supports PPACH Activities

Kids Contest Raises Funds for Operation Smile

Partnering to Promote Family Portrait Month

PPA Charities 2010 Campaigns Net $100,000!

"Chicks" Enjoy Another Hot Time in Scottsdale

Texas School Classes Make a Difference for Operation Smile!

Bald is Beautiful!

Twin Cities PPA Shows Members' Support of PPA Charities

Matt & Angela Weedon Are 2010 Top Individual Contributors; WHCC Leads Corporate Donors

PPACH President Mary Fisk-Taylor Receives <br>PPA Charities Legacy Award

2011 PPA Charities Celebration Gets Imaging USA Started With A Bang!

PPA Charities Receives $10,000 Jamieson Foundation Gift

Win Sam Puc' For A Day At YOUR Studio!

Simon's Inspiration

Texas School "Bonanza" Goodie Basket Valued at $6,000!

Sturdevant Masterwork to be Auctioned at January 15 Charities Celebration!

Don't Miss Out On Fabulous Auction Items at PPA Charities Gala Auction at ImagingUSA<br> in San Antonio on January 15!

Goldstein's Guide to Christmas Shopping

'Tis the Season to be Giving! Here's How Your Clients Can Help You Support Operation Smile

SOS to PPA Members: Less Than 3 Months Remain To Raise $78,311 for Operation Smile!

Family Portrait Month Now in Full Swing!

Operation Smile Reaches Milestone:<br>150,000 New Smile Surgeries

PPA Trustee Graham Wilson<br>Covers Operation Smile Event

Laurie Weaver Chosen to Document<br>Operation Smile Mission

PPACH-Sponsored "Chicks Who Click" Conference Rocks in Scottsdale!

Texas School Contributes $24,000 to Support Operation Smile!

PPA Charities Celebration Event 2009

Join in the Fun at Imaging USA!

PPA Charities Donations Pass $150,000 Mark

PPACH Sets $70k Goal for 2009<br>Operation Smile Donation

Don't Miss IUSA All-Star Marketing Class!

December 28 Joy to the World Websummit to Benefit Operation Smile!

See you in Nashville! <br>January 9, 2010 - 8:00 P.M.

Check Out These Great PPACH Auction Items!

“Chicks Who Click” Set for June 24-27<br>Sign Up Now!

PPACH Sets $120,000 Operation Smile Donation Goal

PPA Charities Celebrates at Imaging USA!