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3rd Annual Strokes of Kindness: Art Contest & Fundraiser

This year’s theme, “Hope in Bloom,” encouraged artists of all ages to explore and express themes of achievement, hope, and growth.

Pictured to the right is last year's winner, "A Heart Finds a New Home", by Kelly Brown. 

For full size photos and descriptions of all the artwork, please visit the submissions page on our website. 

Click here to view all submissions!

Vote for your favorite!

Each $5 donation = 1 vote for your favorite artwork! 

Artists and supporters help raise funds for the Adopt-A-Family Program, which covers the $40 nightly fee for transplant families who are unable to pay, ensuring every family has access to safe, affordable lodging during their medical journey. The artwork with the most votes by June 30th will win the contest and receive a $100 gift card. 

Untitled - Rachel Bello-Oei (Age 13)

"This drawing depicts a girl posed as a statue, standing still as the world around her moves fast. Like a statue she is stuck in the waiting period, as she awaits for a new hope. As she waits, the light that peaks through represents her new life with her new organ. She now blooms in her new life as she radiates hope in all she does."
 
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Untitled - Dulce Perla

 
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Untitled - Steven Anderson

I am a lung transplant recipient I am 65 years old, and I am very excited to talk to people about my transplant to help them before and after transplant at Howie’s House I painted this with watercolors to symbolize the organ donation tree. That is a bloom of Hope.
 
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Untitled - Mindy Ritzman

To me, Hope in Bloom represents a season of healing, renewal, and spiritual growth in Jesus Christ. Flowers blooming in spring and summer remind us that God brings restoration and new life after difficult seasons, calling us to slow down, trust in Him, and find peace in His presence. Psalm 46:10 especially comes to mind: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Through this piece, I wanted to capture the beauty of surrendering our worries to the Lord, breathing deeply, and finding hope in renewal.
 
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Untitled - Grace Demore

I am a volunteer ambassador for Gift of Life and I believe that organ donation provides hope and improves the lives of recipients. My son was a donor in 2023.
 
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Hope is on the Horizon by Kelly Brown

My son Matthew received a heart transplant when he was five. We have spent many nights at the House over the past twelve years. The tree represents the patience and perseverance of waiting for a transplant. The window to the clouds represents the dream of a new life that sometimes seems impossibly out of reach. The blooming flowers represent the hope and beauty that come forth out of tragedy and loss. The lungs, heart, liver and kidney in the clouds are a distant hope on the horizon.
 
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Untitled - Elaine Rosenberg

My daughter was gifted a double lung transplant January of 2026. This painting was done in acrylic. The painting is a representation of her and our family's healing journey. Every year the trees grow stronger. Their beauty is a testament of home for all.
 
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