LINCOLN (SNR) – The St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center will host “Help-Portrait” Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Help-Portrait is a global movement of photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists using their time, tools and expertise to give back to those in need. “It’s about giving people who otherwise couldn’t afford photography, a chance to capture a moment, a memory…and a whole lot more,” the organization’s website says. It was started in 2008 by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart. Volunteers provide hairstyling, makeup and outfit changes if desired; photographers will provide free pictures, printed on the spot.
The project is coming to Lincoln through the Hearts and Minds Social Innovation Fund, a new grant awarded to a Newman Center student leader by a private foundation. The concept for the fund is for “college students, motivated by Christian charity and inspired by corporate partners, must be innovative servant leaders who are empowered to step out of their comfort and into the lives of others in need.”
“Some great ideas were submitted last September, and Payton Bergkamp’s Help-Portrait proposal was chosen as our pilot project,” said Jude Werner, the Newman Center’s director of development. “It has been a joy to see her enthusiasm as the details come together.”
Bergkamp, a sophomore Emerging Media Arts major at UNL, further explained the mission of her project.
“Help-Portrait is aimed to serve the community of Lincoln, including college students, parishioners, members of other churches, the homeless, underprivileged families, single moms, single dads, senior citizens, children, and everyone in between. Clients will be assigned a volunteer ‘buddy’ when they arrive that day, who will take them through their visit and ensure they have a good experience.
“My goal is to send home a portrait with 100 people,” she continued, “but the most important thing I want people to walk away with is that they know that they are beautiful and have dignity.”
“Please pray for us and spread the word as this is our first ever event in Lincoln,” she said. “And if you or someone you know wants to have your photo taken, we’d love to see you.”
Volunteers, photographers and hairstylists are also needed. Contact Bergkamp 785-643-7430 for more info.
