The spring giveaway and fundraiser is over!

Thanks and good luck to everyone who entered and donated! If you didn't get a chance to enter, you can still sign up for the newsletter to receive news and information about future special offers and promotions.

Giveaway winners will be announced by Friday May 14th. Prizes are as follows:

• First prize: $500 alethea cheng fitzpatrick photography gift certificate
• Second prize: $300 alethea cheng fitzpatrick photography gift certificate 
• Third prize: $100 alethea cheng fitzpatrick photography gift certificate 

Note: gift certificates are exactly that - they can be given as gifts! Or used yourself, of course...

The good cause: 

I am really excited about the organization I found to support with my fundraiser! Baby Basics NYC is a non-profit volunteer organization that strives to ensure that babies at risk have the opportunity to thrive. Qualified families participate by attending meetings every two weeks to connect with other families and volunteers who provide help and guidance in baby care, parenting and wellness. These working poor families also receive diapers, an expensive necessity for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

I only recently found out about Baby Basics NYC when I heard about theMother's Day Diaper Drive Cocktail Party. Curious, I looked into the orgainzation more, and the bi-weekly program really appealed to me. As a new mom last year, I had the resources to attend exactly the same kind of events, activities and opportunities for learning and community and I cannot overstress how invaluable those were and continue to be to me.

I also like that Baby Basics NYC is small and personal. In one phonecall I was able to reach founder Brenda Grassey who was happy to spend time talking with me about what they do and even answered financial questions (charitynavigator.org has some great tips and resources for evaluating charities). I also spoke with two volunteers who have each worked with Baby Basics for two years or more and they both described how important this program is for the families participating, how well run it is, and how rewarding their own involvement has been. Donations go 100% to the purchase of diapers, unless earmarked for administrative costs. All other resources are donated. Please help me support this organization!

The fine print:

Entries must be submitted by Friday May 7th at 9pm EDT. Winners will be announced on the blog and notified by e-mail within one week. Gift certificates are valid towards session fee, print and product order or any other available alethea cheng fitzpatrick photography service or product. Gift certificates expire 12/31/10.

nyc baby, child and family photographer alethea cheng fitzpatrick is based in brooklyn and specializes in contemporary, natural light portraiture. view her portfolio of babies, children or families or send her an e-mail here!