Art Show Entry is Free, But You May Donate A Toy

Nearly one year ago this month I had this idea to collaborate with art makers from around the country to pay tribute to one of the most beloved film studios. And although that idea itself was enough to push me forward creatively, I really wanted the event to be an art show that was designed to bring awareness and funds to 3 charities (LiNK: Liberty In North Korea, Invisible Children, and Give Clean Water). 

On Saturday, October 11, I will be hosting an art show alongside several incredibly talented friends. The Pixar tribute benefit will take place at 9085 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123. Drop by any time between 2-8:30 pm.

Entry is FREE, but everyone is welcome to DONATE A NEW TOY for children in need this holiday season. 

Refugee Yoon Suk Escapes North Korean Oppression

There are three charities our show is supporting through the sale of art on October 11. One of them is LiNK: Liberty In North Korea. LiNK is an organization bringing North Korean refugees to freedom and safety, as well as providing resettlement support to help them fulfill their potential.

Here's the story of Yoon Suk, a refugee who escaped North Korean oppression as told by LiNK. 

Yoon Suk has vivid, happy memories of growing up in North Korea. She had a passion for the arts and performed frequently on stage. But as she grew older, the happy memories began to fade and the hunger in her belly began to grow.

North Korea was in the throes of famine when Yoon Suk got married. She started a business in the jangmadang to support her family, but when she had no luck running it, she escaped to China to find work.

Not even a month after escaping to China, she was caught by Chinese police and repatriated back to North Korea. Yoon Suk was taken to a prison camp where she was verbally abused, beaten, and starved.

She escaped again to China shortly after her release from the prison camp. She was sold off three times by traffickers. With the last husband, she had her beautiful daughter. Yoon Suk wanted to give her daughter a better life, and knew that would not be possible in China.

Thanks to support from people just like you, Yoon Suk and her daughter escaped China together and are now on their way to safety in South Korea.

To read the rest of her story, make sure to check out the LiNK blog. 

Interview With Founder Darrel Larson of Give Clean Water

There are three charities our show is supporting through the sale of art on October 11. One of them is Give Clean Water. GCW is an organization in relentless pursuit of providing a sustainable clean water solution to everyone that needs it. 

I recently had the privilege of asking founder Darrel Larson of Give Clean Water three questions. Below are his answers.

Left to right: Actor Adam Beach, Fiji Western Division Health Inspector Rakesh Kumar, and Give Clean Water founder Darrel Larson. 

1. The Pixar universe is full of characters we can relate to. Is there one particular character you identify with the most? Why?

I can relate with Buzz Lightyear. I love gadgets and have always wished I could fly. As a kid I would always imagine I was flying when I was running down my street after school. 

Also, his catchphrase, “To infinity and beyond", has always stood out to me because it mirrors my life verse. That life verse is Ephesians 3:20 which says, “To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power within us." 

2. What person, place or thing is inspiring you right now?

My friend CJ Hobgood is a pro surfer who has faced many challenges in life, but who has the determination of a true champion! I see him fearlessly charging the scariest waves on the planet, and overcoming fears even after some pretty serious poundings. I watch him use his gift of surfing as a platform to inspire others to walk in faith. He’s a true champion with a servant’s heart. I’m also pretty inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge right now. It's amazing how a little idea grew into a huge outpouring of support for ALS. Any time we can capture the hearts of the world to help change lives…that is epic! I want to spend the rest of my life doing that.

3. Years ago you decided to step up and be an agent of change in the world. What kind of encouragement would you give to someone who believes that their efforts can't make a difference?

Six years ago, Give Clean Water was birthed as an organization to provide a sustainable clean drinking water solution around the world. That is a big task, but every great idea starts as something small and grows into a passionate vision that weathers the ups and downs towards goal completion. The thing is, we are all people with that kind of potential, so don’t be afraid to dream big! But dreaming is only part of the equation. Faith, engagement, and execution of our dreams is key for those dreams to ever come true. Again, my life verse comes into play on this one because I believe if I can dream it up, God is capable of doing immeasurably more!

Water filter install in Fiji. 

Click here to learn more about Give Clean Water.