In keeping with its commitment to philanthropic support, Hunter Douglas is initiating a relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC). Beginning with the RMHCSC chapter, Hunter Douglas will hold a regional art contest for children called Shades of Happiness. Hunter Douglas will also donate a number of window shades for a new building at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times in Apple Canyon Center, Calif.
The Shades of Happiness contest invites children and their siblings staying at the Southern California Ronald McDonald Houses and those attending Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times to create artwork that depicts what happiness means to them. The winning entries will be used as inspiration for a series of custom-printed window coverings featuring Mermet solar screen fabrics that will be donated to one or more RMHCSC locations.
“Giving back to the communities in which we live and work is an essential part of Hunter Douglas. From the products we develop and market to the organizations we partner with to advance philanthropic efforts, Hunter Douglas works to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Marv Hopkins, chairman and CEO of Hunter Douglas North America. “Working with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California gives us the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of the many children and families supported by the efforts of this organization."
Sarah Orth, executive director of Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times said, “Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California is thrilled to begin this charitable relationship with Hunter Douglas. Their participation and shade donation are wonderful ways for us to get support and high quality products for new facilities, and the contest is a creative way to get patients and their siblings involved on a different level. We are looking forward to developing the contest and cultivating our relationship with Hunter Douglas.”
Some of the key elements of the Shades of Happiness contest include:
- A panel of judges will select a winner based on creativity/originality and content relevance.
- Kit materials (crayons, forms, and paper) provided by Cra-Z-Art and Sandy Alexander Printing.
- Participation dates of June 1 to August 31, 2014.
A team from Hunter Douglas also recently participated in Walk for Kids in Southern California. Walk for Kids is a 5K walk designed to raise funds and awareness for the services and programs provided by RMHCSC. Focused on supporting families’ efforts to provide quality health care and comfort for their children, globally Ronald McDonald House Charities impacts the lives of seven million people worldwide each year.