Bringing light to others’ lives

 

As a young boy and budding artist, Kinkade had a dream to inspire through art. Once he realized this dream, he became committed to serving other humanitarian needs. While he’s inspired millions of collectors with his paintings’ messages of peace, hope, and a simpler life, he hopes to inspire even more people to volunteer their time to charitable causes.

As Ambassador of Light, Kinkade will promote the mission of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, which is to engage and mobilize millions of volunteers in communities throughout the United States. This honor has only been bestowed upon two individuals in the Foundation’s 15-year history: the first was the organization’s founder, former President George H. W. Bush, and the second was Kinkade. To celebrate this honor, Kinkade presented former President Bush and Barbara Bush with his recent canvas release, “Sunset on Lamplight Lane,” and he included a personalized sketch on the back of the canvas. The Lamplight Lane series is one of his most popular, and it depicts the charm of rural England. Through the series he celebrates the journey into life—upon which everyone embarks. “Sunset on Lamplight Lane” is the final work in this epic series of paintings.

Kinkade believes that, in volunteering your time and talent, you can have more impact and be more effective than by solely donating money. This philosophy is evident in his charitable endeavors around the world, wherein he has helped raise millions of dollars. Just last year, he actively raised funds for the Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts. In 2004, he was chosen as the national spokesperson for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, raised over $750,000, and granted twelve wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. He raised $100,000 in 2003 for the San Francisco Giants Community Fund, which fosters awareness about important health- related issues and promotes nutrition and exercise for families in underserved communities. And in response to 9/11, he donated 100 percent of the proceeds from the sales of his print “The Light of Freedom,” raising an astounding $2 million for the Salvation Army’s General Fund.

 As Ambassador of Light, Kinkade will visit cities nationwide throughout 2006 to promote the mission of the Points of Light Foundation. Through personal appearances, he will raise money for the Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network, which serves 360 Points of Light member volunteer centers in communities across the country. He hopes that all of those who hear his message about the importance of volunteerism will answer the call of a servant’s heart and volunteer in their community.