TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

A Snowman Artist Takes First Place

ADVERTISEMENT

By ANGELA DELGADO, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 1, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - A 9-year-old boy has been chosen as the winner of the 12th annual Design-A-Holiday-Card contest, which benefits The Children's Home.

The contest involves all 60 children who live in the Home. Each drew a holiday-themed picture.

The winner, whose caseworker asked that his name not be revealed, drew a snowman with a Christmas tree by his side.

Asked why he drew a snowman, the boy said "because it snows a lot in New York," where he was born.

The contest was the brainchild of Psychological Assessment Resources, which has dealt with and contributed to the Home for years. Staff members decided that rather than purchase a corporate holiday card, they would design a card.

"We've been involved with The Children's Home, and we thought, 'gosh, it would be nice to have the kids design them,'" said Cathy Smith, vice president of community relations.

Each year a staff member heads to the Home with crayons, colored markers and paper for the children to use for the contest. The kids are given a theme - this year's theme was "Enjoying the Holidays" - and they are given a set period of time to draw.

Once the cards are collected, they are put up in the Resources company conference room, and company employees choose the first-, second- and third-place winners. Then a party is held for all the children, where they are given cake and drinks and the winners are named.

The first-place winner's drawing is placed on the card's cover, and the second- and third-place winners have a miniature version of their drawing on the back of the card. Winners also are given $100 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third place. All the children receive $5 "because we think everybody is a winner," Smith said.

"Those of us in the company get as much out of it as the kids do," Smith said. "It's been a fun and rewarding experience for all of us. We just get so excited about it because it's such a positive experience for the kids."

For The Children's Home, the cards aren't only a fun time for the kids and financial assistance but also a marketing tool. When Resources, families and other companies send out the cards, more people learn about the Home because the cards provide information about the nonprofit organization.

The Children's Home, 10909 Memorial Highway, was established 115 years ago, and it has assisted more than 25,000 kids.

A pack of 15 cards is $7.50. Anyone interested in purchasing some can call (813) 864-1535 or visit www.childrens home.org.

Reporter Angela Delgado can be reached at (813) 865-1501 or adelgado@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT