FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2011

Contact: Shawn Nakamoto, APR
SUN Communications
(808) 741-2267
suncommpr@gmail.com

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS SELECT DOWN SYNDROME OHANA HAWAII AS ITS 2011 PARTNER

ProjectFocus Hawai’i gives children with Down syndrome a chance to shine through photography

HONOLULU—ProjectFocus Hawai’i (PFH), a photography internship for at-risk children and youth, has selected Down Syndrome Ohana Hawai’i as their 2011 partner. This year’s theme is “Shine: Inspiring Joy Through Their Eyes.” Over the next 12 weeks starting in May, ProjectFocus Hawai’i will work with 14 children from Down Syndrome Ohana Hawai’i to foster self-esteem through the art of photography.

The mission of Down Syndrome Ohana Hawai’i is to unite and support families who have children or family members with Down syndrome. Their goal is to connect with other families and friends and to support each other through various activities such as social gatherings, new parent hospital visits, family and professional workshops and family support.

According to Ann Ziegler, president for Down Syndrome Ohana Hawai’i, “We are a family of families, joined together to support and provide advocacy and information concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome in the home, school and community.”

The National Down Syndrome Congress reports that Down syndrome affects a quarter million families in the United States. It is caused by a common genetic variation that usually causes delay in physical, intellectual and language development. Down syndrome is one of the leading clinical causes of cognitive delay in the world and affects 1 in 700 live births. There is a wide variation in mental abilities, behavior and physical development in individuals with Down syndrome and each individual has his or her own unique personality, capabilities and talents. In adulthood, many persons with Down syndrome are able to work, live independently and participate in recreational activities in heir communities.

“Children with Down syndrome are incredibly loving, responsive and full of joy,” said Laurie Callies, co-founder of ProjectFocus Hawai’i.” “We selected ‘Shine: Inspiring Joy Through Their Eyes’ as our theme this year because it recognizes that these children, despite their cognitive condition, are able to express their creative and artistic talents through the lens of a camera. This year’s exhibit will truly be an inspiration to all of us.”

ProjectFocus Hawai’i co-founders Laurie Callies and Lisa Uesugi, both professional photographers and former teachers, start off the internship photographing each child. The children are then taught basic photography skills utilizing a medium format camera and are asked to photograph someone special in their life. Each young photographer writes a personal statement to accompany their best photograph that is paired with their own photograph. At the end of the internship, the photographic exhibit will debut at a private reception co-sponsored by Pacific Office Properties and Bishop Street Commercial. The exhibit will then travel to various venues across O’ahu.

“We are so grateful that ProjectFocus Hawai’i has selected Down Syndrome Ohana Hawai’i as the beneficiary for this photography internship,” said Ziegler. “Our children bring such joy to our lives and we welcome this opportunity for them to shine and inspire others with their exuberance for life,” she added.

ProjectFocus Hawai’i is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of children through the use of photography and to use this medium as a vehicle for enhancing self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-reflection. Independently funded through monetary and in-kind donations made by foundations as well as community and business leaders. ProjectFocus Hawai’i recently received two generous donations from long time sponsors Na Lei Aloha Foundation and Blair Parry-Okeden. Na Lei Aloha Foundation awarded PFH with a $20,000 grant while Parry-Okeden contributed $10,000. For more information on sponsorship opportunities with ProjectFocus Hawai’i, contact Laurie Callies at (808) 224-5995.

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ProjectFocus Hawai’i
Laurie Callies, 808-224-5995
Lisa Uesugi, 808-382-8065
www.ProjectFocusHawaii.com

Down Syndrome Ohana Hawai’i
Ann Ziegler 808-383-2431
www.dsohawaii.com