Thanks to General Motors’ generous sponsorship of this program, “Pictures of Hope,” the children’s images will be transformed into greeting cards which will be sold through the Salvation Army of Tucson in the Fall, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the “Pictures of Hope” greeting cards will benefit many women and children at the local Salvation Army centers. The chosen photos and cards will be revealed at a press conference later this fall. Last year, this program was featured prominently on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, People Magazine and USA Today.
“Giving back to the communities where we live and work is incredible important to General Motors, its employees and its dealer body,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design. ‘Pictures of Hope’ is a wonderful project, and we are proud to be a part of it. Now more than ever, children need hope and a sense of pride that can translate into higher self-esteem and success later in life.” Welburn along with Solomon will select the best photo from each child’s portfolio for the greeting cards.
This is the second year that General Motors is sponsoring this program. Last year, Solomon led workshops in Salvation Army centers in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Orlando, Florida. In 2006, over 30 children participated in this program. This year, the program was expanded to 10 cities, with Tucson being one of the chosen locations. Linda will also lead workshops in Detroit, MI; Columbus and Cleveland, OH; San Diego, CA; Dallas, San Antonio and Houston, TX; Miami, FL; and Washington, DC.
“We are so grateful for this opportunity,” says Major Will Cobb, Tucson City Coordinator, The Salvation Army. “So many of our children and families struggle to find their way day to day. This program helps gives them a voice and sense of hope.”
The Tucson Salvation Army Corps; SAFE Housing, Amphi & South Corps serve hundreds of children daily through after-school programs, housing and living assistance. Most of these children come from surrounding neighborhoods that represent some of the poorest and highest crime-ridden areas. For many of these children, The Salvation Army offers, not only a respite from the streets but also a warm meal, safe, caring mentors and shelter.
Eight children participated in Wednesday's "Pictures of Hope" event.
The photo cards are HERE!
They are available for Donation/Purchase through Tucson's local corps, this website and other select locations.
Linda Solomon, General Motors and The Salvation Army will bring “Pictures of Hope,” to life as award-winning photojournalist and former television correspondent, Linda Solomon led a photography workshop for 8 kids at the Salvation Army Temple Corps and City Command Chapel June 5, 2007.
During the workshop, sponsored by General Motors, the children learned photography techniques. After the workshop, the children were given disposable cameras and then asked to go out on assignment and capture photos of their hopes and dreams for a better life. Local media from KVOA, KOLD, KGUN, The Jewish Post and Arizona Daily Star were on hand for the event.
“We can learn a great deal from the images captured by the children, since those reveal their hopes and dreams,” said Linda Solomon, a celebrity photojournalist who lives in Tucson. “Despite the fact that they are living in difficult circumstances, they appreciate the things that are truly important in life: their families, a good education and peace. All of those hopes are beautifully expressed in their images.”
