A few weeks ago, I made a special announcement for a giveaway where I was going to provide a free senior session package to a nominated teenager, to help relieve the stress on just one family. Well, I didn’t realize then what kind of boat we would be in today. With our local government decidedly dragging its feet about safety precautions, and the recent extension of the Safer-At-Home initiative, we are even more uncertain about what will be happening with the remainder of the school year. While that is a big problem for parents, students and teachers of all ages and grades, those most effected by this sudden turmoil at the end of the year are graduating seniors. We can all recall our senior year of high school. Whether we had the time of our lives or couldn’t wait to get out of there, there was always just a few things you couldn’t wait to experience. Prom, graduation, senior trips, senior privilege, your senior photos and yearbook, getting your cap and gown and class ring—all of those things helped to solidify such a huge moment in your lives. All of it made IT REAL. Twelve long years of school and these were the rewards, the proof of your success. For the Class of 2020, all of those special moments are completely up in the air. As the restrictions drag on, and the numbers go up, we aren’t certain what the future holds and how people are going to come out of the other side, but we do know that this will be a stressful, trying time for many families both emotionally and financially. I want to just provide a small light at the end of the tunnel for as many families as I can by still providing this normal service where it may now be out of the budget. Unfortunately, while I am still committed to my original giveaway for a full senior package, I can’t do as many as I would like all alone. This is where I’m coming to others to help. I know that many of us have been impacted by COVID-19 in many ways, but for those of you that are still lucky and blessed enough to have something to give, I am asking today that you consider donating towards a senior photo package. Help give these families and these seniors a piece of the priceless memories they deserved to have.

I am asking for donations towards senior portrait packages. Any amount will help because it will all be collected together in one pool. I will leave the option open, however, for anyone that would like to specifically purchase an entire package. When all the donations have ceased, I would like to give to as many deserving seniors as possible, so I will divide the pool money by the least expensive package, so that I may in turn provide the maximum amount of senior packages. If someone did decide to donate an entirely paid for specific senior package, that value will be removed from the entire pot to ensure that the exact donated products/time would be would be received. Updates on donations, recipient selection and sneak peeks and highlights from photoshoots will be provided as they come up*. Donations can be made through a variety of mobile payment apps, some that have specifically been opened just for this project. You may use:

• CashApp: $KOwensPhoto

• Venmo: KenyaOwensPhoto

• **PayPal: PayPal.Me/hcphotos

Giving is never mandatory, and I would never ask anyone to give where they don’t have any to spare, but for those that do, and would like to keep a small photography business running and help some seniors and their families keep and create memories I could never be more grateful for your kindness. Right now, it is very much needed out here.

Thank you so much for your attention here, and I hope to see and speak with you all very soon. In the meantime, please stay home.

*A specific time frame cannot be provided at this time. Because of the nature of my job (where I am very close to you, touching you, and touching equipment to my face constantly) I will be following the strictest of current health guidelines to insure the safety of myself, and of the clients.

**This PayPal.Me link is the only one that does not represent the company current name (K. Owens Photography or Kenya Owens Photography) but instead says “hcphotos”. This was my name prior to 2018 and the link name cannot be changed. I just wanted to address the strange name for that link, but still provide this method of payment for variety.