Here is an update to the work that was done for the National Model Search.  I was very happy to participate and help raise money for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.  I recently had the opportunity to assist on one of these shoots and it’s a very emotional ride.  But what drives the photographers to volunteer for this cause is a greater purpose.  To help grieving parents move through a very difficult time and I was glad to be part of it.
The contest was a huge success, 2,000 model’s images were submitted to the contest, and most importantly, the competition raised $164,775 for the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) foundation.click here.

The competition was so much fun.  I was thrilled to enter some of Los Angeles’ cutest kids into the contest.  The feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive. People were enthusiastic about my philanthropic efforts to partner with NILMDTS. So many folks have experienced the loss of a child or know someone who has. Raising money for NILMDTS was an effort everyone supported.
 
The 50 finalists have been selected. Photography and modeling industry experts will select the grand prizewinner, which will be announced on May 1st. The finalist gallery is available for viewing – just

This has been such a positive experience that we plan on participating in the National Charity Model Search next year. I hope that just as many of you step up to partner with me in this fun endeavor, and that we raise even more money for NILMDTS in 2010.

Blog Announcement:

Is your child America’s Cutest Kid?

 I’m very excited to be participating in the National Charity Model Search to select “America’s Cutest Kid” and to raise funds for charity.

 We’re looking for cute children ages 18 months to 14 years old to model for a portrait to be entered into the contest.

 Models Search Special:

$50 entrance fee, which includes a 45 minute model session and one image submitted to the national gallery.

 Finalists will be determined by online votes. Anyone may vote. Each vote is $1, and all proceeds from votes benefit the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. (NILMDTS.org)

Grand prize national winner will be determined from the 50 city finalists. Winners selected by photography and modeling industry experts.

 If your child is selected the national winner, you’ll receive many prizes, including a $5,000 US Savings Bond and a Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera.

 If you’re interested in entering your child(ren), please call the studio at 818-585-1621. For more information about the contest, go online to www.sandypucmodels.com.

This charity is directed at families who’s babies are terminal. It is a charity created out of a labor of love and I’m happy to have a part in it.

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/about_us/

For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives.