ATOU Youth F.O.R.C.E.
It is such an honor to be included in certain events that I am moved each time I have the opportunity. This time, I was at a special fundraiser for children’s character programs. This one was sponsored by A Touch of Understanding Youth F.O.R.C.E. (Friends Offering Respect ~ Creating Empowerment) and was held at the Blue Line Art Gallery in Roseville, California.
A Touch of Understanding Youth F.O.R.C.E. is a group designed to bring together people with and without disabilities. This way those people without disabilities can learn more about those who have disabilities, and the specific tools necessary for these people to live every day functioning lives. The event featured a silent auction, raffle, food, wine and even a live auction to help support the organization.
What makes this event so special to me as a photographer is I can capture people in their daily lives working with other people for the greater good. Each group may appear different, but there is something that everyone can bring and contribute to make our community a better place. Young people can learn from those with disabilities and that a disability does not mean incapable.
I was able to photograph people and let my experience photographing this event show the humanity of everyone. It was a reflective and solemn event for me, and I met amazing and very energetic people with disabilities, who will continue to inspire me even though they were only part of my life for a few hours.
I am happy to say I got to be part of A Touch of Understanding’s event. It is a strong hope that I will be able to continue using my photography skills to support great events like this one, I love being a photographer for these events.