My father is someone who is incredibly dedicated to aiding in our community's growth, and I have grown up watching him accomplish this so lovingly and wholeheartedly. He began a non-profit called the Gumbo Foundation, which hosts an Annual Gumbo Cook-Off that chooses a family within our community each year that is struggling financially, usually due to illness or medical bills. I've been volunteering at these events from the age I was physically able to. I would facepaint and help out at individual booths, as well as just run errands when needed. But usually nothing more. I paint decently frequently, as it is something I truly enjoy and find calming. I was doing this in my room one day, and my dad walked in. He seemed to truly enjoy the piece I was working on and even talked about trying to sell it. As the conversation continued, we had the idea to try and enter the painting into the silent auction that is held at the Gumbo Cook-Off. I was quite hesitant, considering I didn't think it would raise much money. However, he kept pushing and I finally agreed, even though I was still terrified that no one would like it, and I would embarrass myself. It was worth it if it did manage to raise even a small amount of money though. That day, at the auction, I was pretty much in shock. Not only did the painting accumulate $200 for the beneficiary, but had others asked for me to continue painting them so that they could purchase a similar piece. I ended up selling two more just like that one, each $50. Never did I think I would be put into that position, and I am forever grateful for that.