Getting Ready for the Kids!
The Annual Children’s Portrait Contest
Each year in February we launch a new version of our children’s portrait contest. It’s a time for parents to get really nice images of the child or children at a reduced price. This year we are starting the contest on February 1 and going through the month to March 5.
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- Colton, 2009 winner
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- Brody, 2009 winner
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- Ian, 2009 winner
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- Maddy, 2009 winner
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- Mylee, 2009 winner
We’ve run the contest for more than 12 years and over the last nine or so, we have selected the Children’s Miracle Network as the recipient of the money collected during the balloting, or selection, of the winners. Why the CMN? Mostly, it’s because we usually photograph healthy kids. and we’ve been blessed with healthy kids and our grandchildren are also in good health. But, not every family is so blessed. Some kids get really sick and critically need medical attention. CMN helps families with sick children so we thought that it would be a good organization to support. And, they have been grateful. Not that we’ve been a major source of donations for them, but they are the kind of people who know the value of “Thank You!”
After we finish photographing the “contestants,” we have a 5×7 inch print made for judging. We put the images on display publically and the viewers can vote for the “best” or “cutest” portrait that’s in the display. We number the images so no names are given out and people can vote with their dollars at a $1.00 per vote. The child with the most $$ (votes) wins first prize. Second goes to the next in line, etc. It’s pretty easy to judge! The winners receive 16×20 inch portraits and a Savings Bond. And all the “votes” are sent down to the CMN headquarters in Marshfield at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Obviously, not everyone wins a prize but in our view everyone does win because during the contest, our lower session fee includes the 5×7 inch judging photo that goes back to mom and dad after the contest. In addition, the purchase of a reduced-price children’s package (20% discount) includes a family portrait certificate. What a deal!
So, this is a fun time of year, because we enjoy working with youngsters and we enjoy making the great images that they give us. The other benefit is, simply, this: we all help sick kids and their families
