A Simple Gesture Leads to Splashes of Hope
I was standing at the bar, connecting with a friend at a quarterly Fortune 52 Event, honoring inspirational Long Island women who are doing amazing things. A former Fortune 52 nominee was standing next to me, struggling to put on her corsage. I offered some help and was connected to Heather Buggee, founder of Splashes of Hope (www.splashesofhope.org).
How do you Splash Hope?
Heather and the artists at Splashes of Hope create painted murals that are donated to childrens hospitals and veteran homes around the country, and internationally. Yes, the murals are absolutely beautiful, colorful, and amazingly fun. But, most importantly, they provide true inspiration to the kids, parents and hospital staff. They are the positive distraction during difficult exams, tests, and procedures. The artistic scenes provide hope and inspire imagination to patients and their families.
After quickly hearing Heathers story about Splashes of Hope, I was inspired to help get the word out about the organization and connect some other great people to Heathers cause.
Unveiling Splashes of Hope
MyLITV and ActivEntrepreneur videotaped the unveiling of several murals at the Stonybrook University Veterans Home. And then we were able to go across the street and videotape the murals that were introduced to the Stonybrook Childrens Cancer Center a few months prior. Colorful characters and entertaining, fun scenes filled the walls in each room. Ceiling tiles were also painted to help children relax and get lost during exams and procedures. The nursing staff and some parents passionately expressed how these murals have made a tremendous impact on the kids.
We had the opportunity to visit the talented artists at work in their studio in Condre Hall, Huntington. We interacted with several artists including Stephanie Condra, Sandy Ramos, James Johansen, and Brian Fideler, and all had inspirational stories about how they were connected with Splashes.
Connecting Hope
I connected with Heather through a simple gesture of helpanother example of the power of connecting. But this story has a more important message. Whether we are an artist, writer, business expert, contractor, or realtor, our diverse talents can be used in unique and inspiring ways. We sometimes dont realize that. Heather and the talented team and volunteers at Splashes of Hope are using their artistic talents to inspire and provide hope to children and their families. We should all be inspired to think about how our individual talents can be used to provide a similar hope and inspiration to others.
