Hometown Hall

The White Envelope Project, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to educating youth and young adults about the importance of charitable giving, announced today the launch of their first annual “Art of Giving” contest. The new program challenges middle and high school students throughout the country to reflect on the importance of charitable giving through original art and writing.

In the art category, students will submit original artwork that either captures “the essence of giving and generosity” or illustrates what charitable giving means to them. Students may work in any flat medium (painting, drawing, photography, collage, computer design, etc.) for their entry. In the writing category, students will submit an original essay responding to one of three questions related to charitable giving.

Separate art and essay winners will be selected by a panel of judges for both the 6th-8th grade and 9th-12th grade divisions. Each winner will receive at least a $150 Giving Certificate enabling the student to donate $150 to the charity of his or her choice through The White Envelope Project’s online donation portal, $150 in cash, and a recognition plaque. Prizes may be increased if additional sponsors or donations are obtained.

In addition, the winning entries may be featured on the organization’s website and on the front of the 2008 series of “White Envelope” tribute gift cards which are sold in conjunction with WEP’s annual “Catalog of Giving” program.

“We are very excited about the launch of this new program because it encourages students to creatively reflect on the importance of giving back,” said Ben Lawder, President and Co-Founder of The White Envelope Project. “As a nonprofit founded by and still run by students and young adults under 30, we love helping build the next generation of Givers, Civic Leaders, and Philanthropists.”

Complete details on the contest and official entry forms are available online at www.WhiteEnvelopeProject.org. All entries must be postmarked by October 31, 2008 to be eligible for prizes. The contest is open to all 6th-12th grade students in the United States.

Sponsorship opportunities starting at only $500 are still available for the program. Also, other donations or in-kind donations of prizes for winners and honorable mention students are greatly appreciated.

About The White Envelope Project
Inspired by a 1982 magazine contest, The White Envelope Project is an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of Givers, Civic Leaders, and Philanthropists. Founded by four siblings in their 20s in May 2006, the organization's programs educate youth and young adults about charitable giving, inspire them to act, and provide them with the tools, information, and resources to make a difference in the lives of others. Learn more about The White Envelope Project by visiting www.WhiteEnvelopeProject.org.