Volunteers sought to aid return of Help-Portrait event this weekend

After inclement weather forced a last-minute cancellation of the 2013 event, volunteers for Help-Portrait hope to serve a record number of people this year.

But reaching that goal of 450 or more people can only be made possible if enough volunteers show up Saturday.

The international event that provides free professional photos to those who otherwise might be unable to afford them is about more than snapping and printing photos, said Sheri Grippo. She's the owner of Bella Bambino Photography and director of the Cape Girardeau Help-Portrait.

Help-Portrait, in part, provides some small luxuries to those who are able to afford only the basics in life, she explained.

"We don't have any monetary needs at the moment, thank goodness," Grippo said of the event. "But we could definitely use makeup artists and hairdressers."

For those attending to get a portrait, they have the option to first have their hair and makeup professionally done on site. For the men, haircuts and facial hair grooming are available as well. They have enough volunteers to provide the service this year, Grippo said, but only just. More volunteers would help people move through the process more quickly, Grippo explained.

She said volunteers try to spread the word about the event and invite people attending the Salvation Army of Cape Girardeau's Thanksgiving lunch. When they share the information about the event with people, she said the idea of the portrait itself excites them, but mention of hair and makeup often brings the biggest smiles.

"The people that we want to serve are struggling to put food on the table, so these things, like having their hair or makeup professionally done, make people so happy," Grippo said. "They're meeting those basic needs like food, warmth and clothing, but to be pampered is something above and beyond."

Another important aspect of Help-Portrait is the fellowship. From the second they walk through the door at the House of Hope to the moment they leave with their framed 8-by-10-inch portraits, participants are interacting with the volunteers. In addition to the 14 photographers attending the event, dozens of volunteers will be there greeting people at the door and chatting with participants as they go through the process.

Grippo said after the photos are taken, people are invited to the waiting room to enjoy refreshments or participate in crafts while their photos are being hand edited and framed. The food, drinks and supplies from the crafts all are donated by businesses and individuals.

The people receiving their portraits are not the only ones who will benefit from the event, Grippo added. As someone who's been involved with the event for the past five years, she said she's always felt just as blessed as the people she's helped serve.

"It's my favorite day of the year," Grippo said. " ... It's just a really cool thing to be a part of."

The best way to get involved with the event and volunteer is to visit facebook.com/groups/helpportraitcape. Those interested in participating as a volunteer also may email Grippo at sheri@bellabambinophotography.com or show up at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the House of Hope, 1000 Ranney Ave. The event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

1000 Ranney Ave., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

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Want to go?

Want to go?

What: Help-Portrait Cape Girardeau

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers should arrive by 9:30 a.m.

Where: House of Hope, 1000 Ranney Ave., Cape Girardeau