When Belmont Heights 3rd Grader Jamie-Lee Meintjes heard that her school’s S.O.S. Program was encouraging students to get involved in fundraising activities, she knew a simple lemonade stand wasn’t going to work.
An avid art lover, Meintjes came up with the idea of organizing a one-day-only art show and sale at Viento y Agua where small pieces from 100 local artists of all ages could be sold for a flat rate of $20 with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Fremont Elementary School’s science and technology labs.
Her parents (mom is an artist, dad is a photographer) reached out to their friends and even donated pieces themselves, but say Jamie is still looking for more submissions, which are being accepted until February 28.
“Including art in her fundraising effort was really important to her because that way she could encourage a greater interest in art within the community she is such a proud part of,” Jamie’s father Jason told the Post. “She wanted to create an event where artists could share their work, in a way that local children could appreciate, share and be a part of. Selling art at a low price makes it available to everyone, while creating a sense that we are sharing an experience, rather than paying for an item.”
The S.O.S. Program is a parent-run, annual event that raises funds for parts of the school that the district can no longer pay for. The money raised by the various fundraisers linked to this program is held and distributed by the Long Beach Education Foundation and according to Jason Meintjas, will this year be used to pay salaries for the teachers involved in science and computer education within the school.
“Jamie feels that art is an important part of what we offer as human beings, and can be used to create awareness for so many different causes,” Jason said of his daughter’s motivation. “She wanted to arrange an event where people were encouraged to make art, and invest in something that helps others in their community.”
Donations of artwork (8.5×11 or smaller, any medium, unframed) can be dropped off at Viento y Agua in an envelope marked “Attention: Jamie” through February 28. Jamie’s Lemonade Stand Art Sale will be held at 5PM on March 2 at Viento y Agua, 4007 E. 4th St.
–Photo: Jamie-Lee Meintjas holding one of her own paintings that will be for sale on March 2. Photo by Jason Meintjas.
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