Hello everyone! My friend Shirley Ng-Benitez @shirleyillos has invited me to paticipate in AWEtober 2023 again this year! Please follow @awetober for updates and I’ll be sharing further as the month progresses.

Each year, we're truly amazed by the generosity of the children’s publishing community. Artist/Authors/Illustrators/Editors/Agents, and friends of AWEtober have generously auctioned, bid, and donated their wonderful art and services to raise over $24,000 to victims of the California Wildfires, coral reef restoration efforts, hurricane victims, and more. This year, our fundraising efforts will support organizations helping the victims of the Maui fires, as well as coral restoration efforts around the globe.

As a reminder, Shirley doesn't handle or make any $ from this endeavor, nor is this affiliated with Instagram or anyone else. All of the participants are generously donating their time, money, and heart, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the organizations we’re supporting this year: @hawaiicommunityfoundation @wckitchen @coralrestorationfoundation @reef_restoration_foundation @sea.trees There will be original one-of-a-kind artwork, handmade items, prints, books, opportunities to videochat with industry professionals, and more!

We believe that one person can make a difference and that we are all connected. Together with Art, WE can make a difference! AWEtober 2023!