Contact:
Fred Whiting
Points of Light Foundation
(202) 729-8177
fwhiting@pointsoflight.org

THOMAS KINKADE RAISES OVER $94,000 FOR LOCAL VOLUNTEER CENTERS ON AMBASSADOR OF LIGHT TOUR
Thomas Kinkade Company and Points of Light Foundation
Advance Strategic Partnership

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 26, 2006) – The Points of Light Foundation’s Ambassador of Light, artist Thomas Kinkade, raised over $94,000 for Volunteer Centers in eleven cities across the country. The donations will sponsor the coordination of on-the-ground volunteerism in each of these cities. The stops are part of a 25-city nationwide tour of Thomas Kinkade Signature Art Galleries.

Known globally as The Painter of Light™, Thomas Kinkade shares his message of hope, love, and service and promotes the mission of the Points of Light Foundation – increasing public awareness of the value of volunteering.

“The true secret of happiness is doing for other people.” says Kinkade. “In volunteering your time and talent, you can have more impact and be more effective than by solely donating money.” 

At each tour location, Kinkade sketches and signs limited edition canvases. One canvas is donated by Thomas Kinkade for auction on which he draws an original sketch. This offers attendees the rare opportunity to bid on an original Kinkade. The artist’s paintings are most often sold as limited edition prints. Kinkade is widely known as America’s most collected living artist.

According to Robert Goodwin, President and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, “Thomas Kinkade’s personal mission is to spread light and joy into the homes of others. Thom’s legacy of giving back and making a difference goes back over 20 years to the publication of his very first print. The Points of Light Foundation is delighted to be partnering with Thom in support of our Volunteer Centers.”

Among other recent joint projects, Mr. Kinkade also created and donated the cover artwork for the Foundation’s new CD/DVD release of the celebrity remake of the Sister Sledge song We Are Family benefiting hurricane victims. Mr. Kinkade and Mr. Goodwin also co-authored the newly released book “Points of Light: A Celebration of the American Spirit of Giving.”

About the Points of Light Foundation
The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who to help solve serious social problems in thousands of communities. Through a variety of programs and services, the Foundation encourages people from all walks of life – businesses, faith-based organizations, low-income communities, families, youth, and older adults – to volunteer. For more information call 202-729-8000 or visit www.PointsofLight.org . To volunteer, call or visit www.1-800-Volunteer.org .

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