The Creative Touch hosts succulent workshop to benefit I Picture Hope

The Creative Touch hosts succulent workshop to benefit I Picture Hope

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PLAINS — Floral and plant shop The Creative Touch hosted a succulent workshop Sunday with all proceeds benefiting I Picture Hope, a local nonprofit that offers free photo shoots to those affected by cancer to help them build back confidence and once again feel comfortable in their own skin.

“I’m happy to see all of these people. The more the merrier,” said owner Jackie Ruane, who opened the business back in May.

For $40 attendees of the workshop were able to assemble and decorate their own terrarium, with a variety of glass containers, succulents, moss, rocks and stickers to choose from.

Light refreshments were offered as well and there was even a chance to win both a raffle and door prize.

The fundraiser was held in support of I Picture Hope, which offers free photo sessions to cancer fighters and survivors, complete with free hair styling and make up.

With each portrait, I Picture Hope seeks to capture the diverse faces of strength and courage in the cancer community while fostering a network of support and hope.

“We try to make sure everybody is happy, that as they’re going through the process they feel more like themselves. That’s a big thing that cancer takes away from you,” explained Board Director and Chair Person Lori Prashker-Thomas.

Prashker-Thomas took over the organization roughly ten years ago and re-build it from the ground up. She said partnering with local businesses like The Creative Touch is an essential part of keeping the organization’s services free to those who need them the most.

“There’s no way I would be able to do what I do without events like this. Especially when it comes to our hairstylists and make up artists. They all donate their time,” said Prashker-Thomas.

In addition to offering free photo shoots, I Picture Hope aims to bring awareness to how cancer affects the lives of those around us.

“I want people to understand that even if you are technically cancer free, you always have that in the back of your head. And in regards to the way you look, you get a skewed version of yourself. We want to try and change that,” Prashker-Thomas said.

The cause was a personal one for Ruane, who lost her mother to cancer nearly ten years ago.

I’m definitely an advocate for anything I do to help people in the area,” she said.

The event was also a great way for the organization to spread the word about its mission.

“When we get together with people, we’re educating people on what we do,” said Board Member Lisa Giovannini “Plus, we’re doing a fun activity and there’s a lot of camaraderie.”

Kendra Raidley, 35, of Starrucca, attended the fundraiser with the some friends and was excited to spend her time doing something new that was also for a good cause.

“I think, especially since the [COVID-19 pandemic], it’s been hard to find an interactive way to give back to the community. I feel like these little pop ups are helping to make that happen,” Raidley said.