JEFFERSON — Greensboro-based artist William Mangum has been a hands-on advocate for the needs of North Carolina’s homeless population, donating his artistic skills and publishing gifts to make the seasonal “Honor Card: program one of the most well run and leveraged charitable programs in the U.S.
Through Mangum’s passionate endeavors and additional financial support from Wells Fargo, Piedmont Graphics and Mike and Sarah Kearney, every dollar raised goes directly to support homeless agencies in 13 cities across North Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Burlington, Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, Mount Airy, Raleigh, Rocky Mount and Winston Salem.
Since 2008, Hospitality House in Boone, a nonprofit homeless agency serving Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes counties, has participated in Mangum’s Honor Card program and is pleased to once again offer this unique and meaningful gift opportunity for the holiday season.
“We are thrilled to once again work with Bill on the ‘Honor Card’ as we bring attention to the plight of homelessness in the High Country,” Todd Carter, Hospitality House director of development, said. “The essence of the Honor Card reminds us all that hope is an eternal force that can be shared between one another, regardless of where we might find ourselves in life.”
Each year, the Honor Card features a contemplative painting by Mangum, one of the most respected and collected artists in the country. Since discovering watercolors with a $.59 tray in his pursuit towards his MFA, Mangum has created over 3,000 paintings since 1977. This year he shares the following inspiration:
“Hope is a universal force…As we draw near to another holiday season, I can’t help but reflect on those who are struggling to maintain some remnant of hope. All around us are people whose lives have seemingly derailed…How do they gain traction or keep moving without the flicker of light or bit of hope?…That light is what the outreach programs of Hospitality House and volunteers work so diligently to provide to our friends in need. Our “Eternal Hope” is in the Creator that made us. I’m so grateful to the hundreds of volunteers that are the hands of the Lord meeting the needs of those that are struggling with life. We are His hands to inspire, encourage and sustain those that are homeless and in need. What better way to celebrate your holiday season than by using the Honor Card to remember your family and friends and share your bounty and blessings with the less fortunate.”
The 2014 Holiday Honor Cards are available now through January for a minimum donation of $5 per card online at www.HospHouse.org and in person at Hospitality House, 338 Brook Hollow Road in Boone. Honor Cards may also be purchased at local Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes county businesses and churches including United Way of Wilkes, all Mast General Store locations, River Cross Market in Valle Crucis, Lost Province Brewing Co., Grace Lutheran Church, Church of the Holy Cross, Erick’s Wine Cheese, The Pet Prairie Dog Retreat, Matney Liberty Church, Holy Trinity Church of the Frescoes, Little’s Health Fitness, Bohemia Coffee House and Hair Quest in Warrensville.
The Honor Card is a way to recognize special individuals and at the same time give a meaningful gift to someone in need. Each Honor Card can be personalized, “honoring” an individual with a contribution to Hospitality House. Since its beginning in 1988, more than 500,000 Honor Cards have been gifted. Over the years, many businesses have instituted the Honor Card as their official holiday card for clients, associates and employees. One hundred percent of the proceeds go towards providing shelter, food and life changes to the individuals and families being served by Hospitality House
The “Eternal Hope” Honor Card video featuring the classic “Change is Gonna Come” by Leela James can be viewed here: http://youtube/2d8Wf3QM4qQ?list=PLabuscf652oiXpI2vQ3moH1dYiIcBkCR0.
For further information please contact Todd Carter at 828.264.1237 ext. 107 or todd@hosphouse.org. To learn more about Hospitality House, visit their website at www.HospHouse.org.
To learn more about artist William Mangum visit http://williammangum.com/ and for an in-depth history of The Honor Card go to http://thehonorcard.com/.
Alan Bulluck can be reached at 336-846-7164 or on Twitter @albulluck.
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