Business & Tech
Photos for the Cause
Local photographer Melissa Pappentick puts her skills to a charitable use.
On a picture perfect Saturday afternoon, Melissa Pappentick of MGM Photography set up a portable photo studio directly inside the front door of the Virago Baking Company, hoping to raise funds for the Camphill Kimberton facility for Developmentally Disabled Adults.
Pappentick was inspired by Regina Mason, founder of the Virago Baking Company, who knows all too well the hardships faced by the developmentally disabled.
"I've been out there (Camphill Kimberton) a couple of times. My oldest son is handicapped, and I know how hard it is to get funding for a lot of the programs," said Mason.
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Together, Mason agreed to host the fundraiser, while Pappentick offered her services directly.
For anyone willing to make a small donation to the cause, Pappentick would snap a couple of professional photographs, which she would later email to them.
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Additionally, Pappentick offered each person who donated a $50 gift card to MGM Photography.
“I love giving back to great people who are doing wonderful things in helping others,” said Pappentick.
In fact, this was her second fundraiser at Virago's this month.
Earlier, Mason and Pappentick had tried to host an identical event, but due to some ugly, wet weather, they had to cut the event short and reschedule.
"The first time we got a lot of rain. So we thought with nice weather, let's do it again," said Pappentick.
Throughout the day, Pappentick sat with her mother and other family members, greeting people as they walked into the bakery. A couple of groups of children came in, as well as a few individual children with their parents, all who were seemingly thrilled to get their picture taken.
As things began to wind down, both Pappentick and Mason seemed happy with the effort.
"It's been fun," said Pappentick.
"It's great to see the kids," added Mason.
In the future, Mason and Pappentick would like to continue their efforts, even broadening the organizations they would like to help. They spoke of ideas for the summer, and during the farmers market, but as for the photography at the bakery, Mason was abundantly clear in her goals.
"I would like to do it as an annual event," said Mason.
