12/07/2022
Help-Portrait Discontinues in Greater Cedar Rapids Area
The Greater Cedar Rapids Area Help-Portrait (GCRAHP) will not host an event in 2022. The local chapter is concluding its operations after seven years. Greater Cedar Rapids Area Help-Portrait partnered with local agencies to provide high-quality professional photos to homeless, senior citizens, veterans, high school seniors, immigrants and families and individuals in financial need.
Marion resident and entrepreneur Amy Mueggenberg brought the global Help-Portrait event to the Cedar Rapids area in 2013. The event combined her passions of volunteerism and photography, both passed on to her by her dad.
“The luxury of a family portrait is not something every family can afford,” said Mueggenberg, owner of AM Artistic. “We got to experience the smiles and joy of men, women and children who saw themselves, many for the very first time, in a professional photo.”
More than 100 volunteers, including photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists generously donated their time, tools and expertise to give back to those in need. Over the course of its seven events, GCRAHP photographed 1,400 families comprised of 4,100 individuals.
“My involvement with GCRAHP, and the joy I witnessed bringing it to those we served, was incredibly rewarding,” said volunteer photographer Doug Hoeger.
The remaining GCRAHP funds and supplies were donated to partner agency YPN.
“The entire YPN community offers profound gratitude to everyone involved with GCRAHP,” said YPN Executive Director Alejandro Pino. “Their recent donation will help YPN continue to serve and empower families. While we are saddened the program is ending, the impact will be felt forever with the families who participated. Thank you for your generosity and kind hearts.”
“We can’t thank the community enough for its support over the years,” said Mueggenberg. “We are honored to have served so many deserving families.”
