In a recent episode of ABC's
"Secret Millionaire"
-- a reality-TV show that puts entrepreneurs and businesspeople face to
face with people who could use their donations and support -- a
non-profit organization called Special Spaces was featured.
Special Spaces offered to create dream bedrooms for children with
life-threatening diseases so that even though illness keeps them
confined to their bedrooms, they can still live in spaces that match
their imaginations.
After seeing the episode, Cincinnati resident Whitney Thierauf took action.
"I was so moved by watching this show," she says. She contacted the
Special Spaces headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee, and discovered that
Cincinnati had no such organization. So she and friend Jennifer
Chamberlin started a new chapter.
"I wanted to have a chapter here and I want to help these kids," Thierauf says.
Special Spaces Cincinnati
launched in March 2011, and has gotten a hearty response from the
community. In June, the organization completed its first bedroom
makeover for a 7-year old Deer Park girl, Bailey Walker, who is battling
lymphoma.
Walker's room was redecorated with a princess theme including pink
walls, a chandelier and a gold leaf mirror. All makeover funds materials
were donated and the job was completed entirely by volunteers.
Businesses like Sherwin Williams and LaRosa's donated supplies and food.
Special Spaces plans their bedroom makeovers based on nominations from
the community. "We want to let these children know that we're here for
them," Thierauf says.
Do Good:
1)
Volunteer.
"We can do nothing with out the very generous contributions from the
community," Thierauf says. Anyone aged 16 and up can volunteer.
2)
Make a donation. Monetary and material donations are welcome, from gift cards to restaurants to building materials.
3)
Get linked.
"The more people that talk about us, the more people we can help,"
Thierauf says. Connect with the organization on Facebook, LinkedIn and
YouTube.
By Ryan McLendon
Photo courtesy Special Spaces Cincinnati
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