How would you like the chance to win one of my original tulip prints AND help a local family affected by tragedy? It's a win-win situation.

Last month our area was shocked to learn that a local teacher, daughter and mother was killed. Many of us have been grieving.  Folks have been helping in various ways from selling prints to holding bake sales and exercise classes for the benefit of Melissa Jenkins' family. I am amazed but not surprised at the outpouring of support for this young woman and her family. We live in an amazing community.

I had read recently that Melissa's favorite color was pink. Everywhere I looked were pink ribbons and pink flowers around town. I started brainstorming on how I could help this family that I had never met. How I could do something special and meaningful to show my respect for this woman who gave so much of her life to help others. Then it came to me.

Recently I returned from a family trip to the Pacific Northwest which is known for holding the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Acres of blooming tulips in amazing displays and color combinations.  While there, I made it my mission to capture some images of not just any tulip, but pink tulips, for Melissa. I went up to the fields from where I was staying three different times from 6 a.m. in the morning to mid afternoon and toted my own kids along for the ride.  

I have made a special folder for some of these special images that I have taken which you will find on my website here. All proceeds of the images sold in this album will go directly to the Melissa Jenkins Memorial Trust Fund at Passumpsic Savings Bank.

I have also ordered 2 canvas prints of my favorite images. The canvases are 12 X 18 and will be on display at the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St Johnsbury where you can buy a raffle ticket to win one of the canvases. The drawing is TBD as I am waiting for the canvases to arrive, any day now. I will post more information as it becomes available. All proceeds from the raffle will also be donated to the Memorial Fund for Melissa Jenkins at Passumpsic Savings Bank. I have purchased and donated the canvases myself.

Please stay tuned for more information on the drawing but know that if you would like to buy any of the images in the album you are able to do so until late May 2012.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at [email protected] or 802-274-6941 or Bruce Allen at the Fairbanks Museum 802-748-2372.

If you would like to donate to the fund directly please send donations directly to:

"Melissa Jenkins Memorial Trust,"
Passumpsic Savings Bank
P.O. Box 38
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

Thank you for your support

Sarah Walls

Cedarbrook Studio